Hunter (Stats)

OKLAHOMA CITY - The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets announced that they have acquired center Steven Hunter and cash considerations from Philadelphia in exchange for second round picks in 2006 and 2007.

"Steven will bring athleticism and length off the bench," said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. "Along with yesterday's acquisition of Aaron Williams, I think we know have a very solid frontcourt rotation."

Hunter had averaged 4.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 35 games with the Sixers this season prior to the trade. The 7-0 center started 13 of those games and recorded three or more blocks six times. He had signed with the Sixers as a free agent prior to the season after spending the 2004-05 campaign with Phoenix.

"I'm looking forward to Steven's energy and defense off the bench fitting right in with the tempo and style we like to play," said Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott. "The job that Jeff Bower has done over the last 24 hours to bring Steven and Aaron Williams in with only giving up second round picks in return is incredible."

Hunter was originally a first round draft pick (15th overall) by Orlando in 2001. He spent his first three seasons with the Magic before signing with Phoenix as a free agent prior to the 2004-05 season. Hunter averaged career highs of 4.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.34 blocks while helping the Suns reach the Western Conference Finals.

The 2006 and 2007 second round picks dealt to Philadelphia were the Hornets' original picks. The team sent a 2006 second round pick that originally belonged to Miami (acquired by the Hornets from Boston in the offseason) and their own 2009 second round pick to Toronto in exchange for forward Aaron Williams yesterday.