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The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have acquired forward Carl Landry from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for guard Marcus Thornton and cash considerations.
“This is a trade that benefits both teams as Carl is a player we have looked to acquire for a long time and we hope to be a big part of our long term success,” said Hornets GM Dell Demps. “Carl is a high character person that will add a scoring punch to our front court while providing toughness and the ability to make plays. In order to get a good player, we had to give up a good player. We wish Marcus nothing but the best because he has a bright future in front of him. We want to thank Marcus for his contributions, energy and professionalism.”
Landry (6-9, 248), who was drafted in the second round (31st overall) by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA Draft and then traded on draft night to the Houston Rockets, averaged 11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 53 games (16 starts) this season for the Kings. Landry played two and a half seasons for the Rockets before being dealt to the Rockets midway through the 2009-10 season in a three-team, nine-player deal that sent Kevin Martin to the Rockets. Landry’s best season came in 2009-10, when he averaged career-highs of 16.8 points on .536 percent shooting, 5.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 30.9 minutes in 80 games (29 starts). After joining the Kings in late February, he posted averages of 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in 37.6 minutes over 28 games (all starts). Landry was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team after the 2007-08 season when he posted averages of 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 42 games. The Purdue product ranks second all-time in school history in career field goal percentage and sixth in scoring average. He averaged 18.4 points on .602 percent shooting, 7.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.81 blocks in 64 games at Purdue.
“Carl is a tenacious rebounder who doesn’t back down inside along with being a proven low post scorer and we look forward to having those attributes on our team,” said Head Coach Monty Williams. “I feel good about being involved in the development of Marcus as a player on and off the court this year as it’s never easy to part with a talented and good person but I know he will continue to grow and thrive with his new team.”
Thornton (6-4, 205) was selected in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Miami HEAT and then traded to New Orleans on draft night. The LSU product has appeared in 46 games this season for the Hornets, averaging 7.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists. Last season, Thornton was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team, after averaging 14.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 73 games (17 starts). assists and 0.81 blocks in 64 games at Purdue.
