The Portland Trail Blazers traded long time forward Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Gerald Henderson and forward Noah Vonleh.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, sources say the Blazers sent Batum to the Hornets because of the uncertainty of All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge staying.
Reports say Aldridge is not looking to re-sign with Portland and will opt to be a free agent this July.
Among the teams interested in inking Aldridge are the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks.
Meanwhile, the Hornets who struggled with their field-goal shooting last season (finished last in three-point shooting) are hoping acquiring Batum is the answer.
Trading for Batum came in a few days after Charlotte traded guard Lance Stephenson to the Los Angeles Clippers in return getting center Spencer Hawes and forward Matt Barnes, who has just been dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Batum played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Blazers and last season averaged 9.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals.
The 26-year-old's numbers during the 2014-15 season declined since he was playing with a wrist injury although he managed to play in 71 games.
Hornets general manager Rich Cho said Batum, who stands at 6-foot-8, will start at the No. 2 spot with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist starting at small forward, ESPN reported.
"He provides a 3-point shooting threat and he's good versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He has been in the league for seven years, so he gives us experience. But yet he is still in his prime. He is going to be a great addition to this team," Cho stated about Batum according to ESPN.
Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said in a statement, "Nic Batum was a key contributor to all of our recent success. He will truly be missed as a person and a player. We wish Nic all the best for the future."
Henderson has been a steady contributor for the Hornets in the past six seasons while Vonleh is a budding talent who was limited to only 25 games last season.
