NEW ORLEANS (AP) a" The New Orleans Hornets agreed to trade reserve point guard Antonio Daniels and a 2014 second-round draft pick to Minnesota on Wednesday in exchange for forward Darius Songaila and guard Bobby Brown.
aThis move gives us added depth at the guard position and the power forward position,a Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. aDarius brings toughness and experience to bolster our frontcourt. We know Bobby pretty well from when he played on our summer league team and are excited to add his speed and scoring ability.a
The move will cut the Hornetsa payroll by $1.3 million this season, but Songaila has two years left on his contract, while Danielsa contract expires after next season.
The Timberwolves take on a little more salary this season, but get out from under Songailaas player option for next year, which will cost about $4.8 million.
aAntonio has the ability to play both guard positions and will provide a veteran presence and added flexibility to our backcourt,a said David Kahn, the Timberwolvesa president of basketball operations. aThis trade also provides increased flexibility for personnel moves beginning next summer.a
Songaila, who is 6-foot-9, has been in the NBA for six seasons, averaging 7 points. He spent the past three seasons in Washington and was acquired by Minnesota in June. He averaged 7.4 points in 77 games for the Wizards last season. He was drafted 50th overall by Boston in 2002.
Like Hornets star point guard Chris Paul, Songaila also played at Wake Forest. Songalia, Paul, and fellow Hornets David West and James Posey all were coached by the late Skip Prosser in college.
Brown, who was on the Hornetsa summer league team in 2008, played 68 games with Sacramento and Minnesota last season, his first in the NBA. He will have to compete with Hornets 2009 first-round draft pick Darren Collison for playing time.
Daniels, 34, is a 12-year veteran. He was acquired by the Hornets last season from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Mike James. Daniels played in 61 games for New Orleans last season, averaging 3.8 points and 2.1 assists. He has one season left on his current contract, worth about $6.5 million next season.
Drafted by the Grizzlies when the franchise was still in Vancouver, Daniels also has played for San Antonio, Portland and Seattle. He has averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 assists during his career.