Hornets Re-Sign Chris Andersen

The Hornets announced that they have re-signed free agent forward/center Chris Andersen. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

“One of our top priorities of the summer was to re-sign Chris due to the development of his overall game last season,” said Hornets General Manager Allan Bristow. “We’re excited to see him continue that progress while still giving us hustle, defense and rebounding that got him to where he is today.

“In addition to the work ethic and skills he shows on the court, Chris is one of our most active players in the community,” said Hornets President Paul Mott. “When you combine that with his personality, it’s easy to see why he made such a connection with our fans last season.”

The 6-10 native of Iola, Texas, scored in double figures 22 times last season and reached double figures in rebounds 13 times. He started two games, averaging 6.5 points and 11.5 rebounds. Andersen had his best stretch of the season from January 14-22 when he averaged 11.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while shooting .568 (21-37) from the floor over six games.

Hornets Agree To Terms With Nachbar And Macijauskas

The New Orleans Hornets announced that they have re-signed free agent forward Bosjtan Nachbar and have signed free agent guard Arvydas Macijauskas. Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not released.

Macijauskas joins the Hornets after playing the first nine years of his professional career overseas. Last season, the Lithuanian native was named to the All-Euroleague First Team while playing with Tau Vitoria in Spain. Macijauskas averaged 16.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg and 1.9 apg while shooting .569 (127-233) from the field, .426 (98-230 from three-point range and .902 (138-153) from the free throw line.

“Arvydas had one of the best shooting touches I’ve seen in a long time and we think his flamboyant style and toughness will make him a crowd favorite,” said Bristow. “He was one of the most sought-after international free agents and will fill an immediate need for us at the back-up guard position.”

Hornets Acquire Butler, Snyder

New Orleans – The New Orleans Hornets have acquired forward Rasual (rah-sue-uhl) Butler from Miami and guard Kirk Snyder from Utah as part of a five team, 13-player trade (the largest in NBA history). The Hornets sent the rights to Roberto Duenas to Miami as part of the trade.

“Our cap flexibility is what allowed us to get these two players as part of this deal,” said Hornets General Manager Allan Bristow. “We were able to acquire two young, quality players while only giving up the rights to a player who has never appeared in a Hornets uniform.”

Butler has played all three of his NBA seasons with the Miami Heat and holds career averages of 6.9 points and 2.2 rebounds in 182 games. He averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 65 games with the Heat last season while shooting .373 (57-153) from three-point range. The 6-7 forward scored in double figures 18 times and was the Heat’s leading scorer off the bench.

Snyder completed his rookie season with the Jazz in 2004-05, averaging 5.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 68 games. He was selected by the Jazz with the 16th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. The 6-6 guard finished fifth among all rookies with a .353 (30-85) three-point percentage and averaged 8.6 points in seven games as a starter.

“Kirk had a solid rookie season for the Jazz and we look for him to continue his progress with us,” said Bristow. “We had our eye on him in last year’s draft and are very aware of his capabilities and potential.”

The Hornets originally acquired the rights to Duenas from Chicago in exchange for the 45th pick in the 2001 NBA Draft on June 14, 2001. Duenas, who was selected by Chicago with the 58th overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, never appeared on the Hornets’ roster.

The rest of the trade is as follows: Miami receives Antoine Walker (from Boston) and Jason Williams, James Posey and Andre Emmitt (from Memphis); Memphis receives Eddie Jones (from Miami) and Raul Lopez (from Utah); Utah receives Greg Ostertag (from Memphis); Boston receives Curtis Borchardt (from Utah) and Qyntel Woods, the draft rights to Albert Miralles, two second round draft picks and cash considerations (from Miami).