Hornets trade Rasual Butler to Clippers

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- New Orleans has traded guard Rasual Butler to the Los Angeles Clippers for a future second-round draft pick, the Hornets announced Wednesday.

"Today's move allows us to increase our financial flexibility while at the same time gives us an opportunity to improve at that position," Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said. "Due to the depth we have, it will allow us to open up minutes and opportunities for Julian Wright, Morris Peterson and rookie Marcus Thornton, all of whom we anticipate great contributions from this season."

Butler averaged 11.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season. He has averaged 8.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 475 games in the NBA with New Orleans and Miami.