The New Orleans Hornets announced today that center Robin Lopez underwent successful surgery to correct a tear of his medial meniscus in his left knee.

Lopez was acquired July 27 along with forward Hakim Warrick and cash considerations from the Phoenix Suns. The 7’0’’ center averaged 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Suns last season in 14.0 minutes over 64 games.

The procedure was performed by Dr. El Attrache at the Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles. Lopez is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp this fall.

Paul Pierce on his contract, which has a team option for 2013-14: “I think I am going to play this one out. I want to see what it feels like to be a free agent for once in my life. I think I am going to play this one out. A lot can change in two years. My body (may not) be where I want it to be, I could retire, a lot of things could happen. It’s not about the money at this point. I love the game. I made as much money as I possibly can. It’s about winning a championship and if I feel like it’s the right thing to do, maybe so (come back) but I really don’t know the specifics on the KG deal or Jason Terry’s deal. If i solidify my third year, maybe they opt out, so it’s about keeping your options open.”

– Reported by Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe (Blog)

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed forward Daniel Orton to a contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Orton (6-10, 255 pounds) appeared in 16 games (two starts) during the 2011-12 season as a member of the Orlando Magic and recorded averages of 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per contest.

After attending Bishop McGuiness High School in Oklahoma City, Orton spent one year at the University of Kentucky where he averaged 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.40 blocks during his freshman season.

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed guard Roger Mason.

Mason, an eight-year NBA veteran, holds career averages of 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.1 minutes per game over 424 contests (88 starts). The 6’5’’ guard, originally selected 30th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, averaged 5.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in 52 games for the Washington Wizards last season. The Hornets will be Mason’s sixth NBA franchise, with previous stops including the Bulls (2002-04), Toronto Raptors (2003-04), Washington Wizards (2006-08 and 2011-12), San Antonio Spurs (2008-10) and New York Knicks (2010-11).

The Washington, D.C. native has appeared in the playoffs in five of his eight seasons, playing in 24 games. Mason tied for the NBA-lead in games played (82) in 2008-09 and was 10th in three-point field goals made that same year (166).

Mason will wear #8 for New Orleans.