Bobcats trade Ely to San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Charlotte Bobcats forward Melvin Ely is heading from North Carolina to Texas with his team trading him Tuesday to the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs gave up Eric Williams and a second-round draft pick in 2009 in return, WOAI, San Antonio, reported.

Ely, who had a one-year $3.3 million contract with the Bobcats, asked to be traded because he wants more playing time, the Charlotte Observer reported, citing sources. The team signed him in hopes of using him for trading.

After graduating from Fresno State, Ely joined the Los Angeles Clippers. He is in his fifth year in the NBA.

Williams, a forward in his 12th pro season, has played for the Boston Celtics and Toronto as well as San Antonio.