OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -The Golden State Warriors traded guard Jason Richardson to the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday night for the rights to North Carolina forward Brandan Wright, the eighth overall pick.
Charlotte also got the rights to Alabama forward Jermareo Davidson, Golden State’s choice with the 36th selection.
Richardson has spent all six of his NBA seasons with the Warriors, but returned slowly from knee surgery last season while Golden State built the team that ended the franchise’s 12-year playoff drought. He averaged 16.0 points and 6.7 rebounds in 51 regular-season games, then scored 19.1 points in 11 playoff games.
But new coach Don Nelson wasn’t always sure how to fit Richardson’s skills into his up-tempo offense.
Wright was one of the top forward available in the draft after averaging 14.7 points per game and making nearly 65 percent of his shots as a freshman with the Tar Heels. His athletic ability should fit well with the Warriors, who hoped to add depth and size to their frontcourt.
“I think I fit in great,” Wright said. “They play an up-tempo style, try to use a lot of forwards, a lot of pieces, a lot of guys that can really run the court. I’ll play with a lot of guys who can really flourish in the open court.”
Golden State chose Italian guard Marco Belinelli with the 18th pick.
Add A Comment