Veteran Defensive Presence Added to Frontline; Team Adds Two Second Round Picks
Washington, DC – The Washington Wizards announced today that they have acquired forward/center Ronny Turiaf, a 2013 second round pick and cash considerations from the New York Knicks along with a 2012 second round pick from the Dallas Mavericks. The three-team deal also sends Tyson Chandler, the rights to Ahmad Nivins and the rights to Giorgos Printezis from Dallas to New York while the Mavericks will receive Andy Rautins from the Knicks and a 2012 protected second round pick from the Wizards.
“Ronny brings us a tough, inside presence and we’re looking forward to adding his defense and tenacity to our frontline,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “This trade brings another solid veteran to our team along with additional assets in the form of draft picks and allows us to maintain our financial flexibility moving forward.”
Turiaf comes to the Wizards with career averages of 5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting .528 from the floor over 358 games in six seasons with the Lakers, Warriors and Knicks. Originally selected by the Lakers with the 37th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Turiaf had his best overall statistical season when he averaged 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks (ranking him fourth in the NBA) for the Warriors in 2008-09. He has finished in the top 30 in the NBA in blocked shots in three of the last four seasons. The 6-10 native of Martinique finished his collegiate career at Gonzaga as the school’s fourth all-time leading scorer and rebounder.