DALLAS, July 23 -- The Dallas Mavericks Tuesday sent forward Popeye Jones, their first-round draft pick in 1997 and a conditional first-round pick in 1997 or 1998 to the Toronto Raptors for guard Jimmy King and two conditional second-round draft picks. The Mavericks sent Toronto their first-round pick acquired from the New York Knicks in the 1994 when they dealt point guard Derek Harper. In addition, if Toronto finishes better than Minnesota, the Raptors will also receive Dallas' first-round pick in 1997. The Mavericks received the pick from Minnesota in 1994 and recently had lottery protection from the second through sixth slot in the draft removed when they sent center Cherokee Parks to the Timberwolves. In the event Minnesota ends up with the No. 1 selection, Toronto would receive Dallas' 1998 first-round pick. Toronto will give the Mavericks their second-round draft picks in either 1997 and 1998, or 1998 and 1999. To help create room for Jones under the salary cap, the Raptors renounced the rights to center Oliver Miller. Jones, who was one of 10 players in the NBA to average in double figures in points and rebounds last season, averaged 11.3 points and 10. 8 rebounds in 68 games. Jones was eighth in the league in rebounding and it was the second consecutive season he averaged in double figures in points and rebounds. 'We were able to add one of the NBA's top rebounders,' said Raptors executive vice president of basketball operations Isiah Thomas.
'We were looking for a player who could bring us consistency under the boards, while adding some frontcourt scoring. Popeye is that player.' King, 22, averaged 4.5 points per game in 62 games last season in Toronto. In the final 10 games of the season he averaged 9.0 points per game in 27.1 minutes of play each game. The 6-5, 210-pound guard was as second-round draft pick (35th overall) of the Raptors in 1995 after a stellar four-year career at Michigan. He was a member of the 'Fab Five' which led the Wolverines to the NCAA title game in 1992 and 1993. Jones played each of the last three seasons for Dallas, averaging 11. 3 points and 10.8 rebounds in 1995-96. His rights were acquired from the Houston Rockets on June 30, 1993 in exchange for the rights to second- round draft pick Eric Riley. Jones played 68 games for Dallas last season, missing 14 straight in February andMarch due to right knee tendinities. 'Popeye played very hard for us, but the additions of Chris Gatling and Samaki Walker allowed us to make this move and create some salary cap flexibility,' said Keith Grant, Dallas vice president of basketball operations. 'In addition, we've acquired a nice, good quality guard in Jimmy King. Jimmy had a great college career and his work ethic and how hard he plays are going to be real assets for us.' Thomas talked about the importance of the two draft picks the Raptors will receive. 'As a young club, one of our priorities is to continue to build in the draft,' he added. 'This deal gives us a number of options as we look towards the future. 'We will miss the things that Jimmy was able to bring to our team,' said Thomas. 'His willingness to work hard and his positive attitude helped make our first season a success.'