The L.A. Clippers announced Tuesday that the team has acquired center Marcin Gortat from the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Austin Rivers.
“We are excited to welcome Marcin Gortat to the Clippers, a respected player that brings years of NBA experience and additional toughness to this team. We’ve been a fan of Marcin’s for some time and this decision will help rebalance the roster by adding another proven big man to the front court,” said Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations. “Austin’s development as a player is a testament to his work ethic and desire to improve. We experienced a lot of success with Austin and are grateful for his contributions during his four seasons with the club. The Clippers wish Brittany and Austin all the best in Washington.”
Gortat, 34, appeared in all 82 games last season for the Wizards, averaging 8.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, while shooting 51.8 percent from the field in 25.3 minutes. The 6-11, 240-pound center has appeared in 759 career games across 11 NBA seasons with Orlando, Phoenix and Washington holding career averages of 10.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 26.3 minutes. Selected 57th overall by Phoenix out of Poland in 2005, Gortat has appeared in 402 games out of a possible 410 regular season games his last five seasons.
Rivers, 25, appeared in 61 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 15.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 33.7 minutes. The 6-4, 200-pound guard has appeared in 408 career games across six NBA seasons with New Orleans and L.A., holding career averages of 9.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 24.3 minutes. Selected 10th overall by New Orleans out of Duke in 2012, the Clippers acquired him on Jan. 15, 2015.
