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Sixers make deal with Hornets

UPDATED:

The Sixers have traded guard Willie Green and forward Jason Smith to the New Orleans Hornets for 6-9 Darius Songaila and 6-10 Craig Brackins, a league source said. (The Sixers have now confirmed the trade.)

"We made the move for these two players to add additional depth to our front court and to add out-court shooting, which was an area that we felt needed improving," Sixers president Rod Thorn said. "Songaila is a hard-working, veteran forward who will give us another option up front and Brackins is a rookie that we feel has a chance to develop into a very productive player at this level.

"On behalf of the Sixers, I want to thank Willie Green and Jason Smith for their contributions and professionalism during their time with us."

Presumably, this is a move to allow the Hornets to get rid of some contracts, even if Brackins only has a low-level rookie deal. Smith is in the final year of his deal and Green is in the final year of his.

Songaila, 32, entering his eighth pro season, averaged 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per game in 75 appearances for the Hornets last season. He also has played for Sacramento, Washington and Chicago in his career. He is considered a good shooter, with a career field goal percentage of .499. His contract also expires at the end of the season.

Brackins, 22, was drafted 21st overall by Oklahoma City out of Iowa State and then traded on draft day to New Orleans in the Cole Aldrich deal. He has now been traded a second time before even playing a game. Brackins struggled at times with the Hornets summer league in Las Vegas and is only 230 pounds, meaning he will need to get stronger.

Green averaged 8.7 points and 2.1 assists last season in 73 games. He played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Sixers, averaging 9.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 21.8 minutes in 422 games played with 211 starts.

Smith posted 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in 57 games. He also spent his entire career with the Sixers to this point, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 132 games played with three starts.

Doug Collins is expected to meet with the media this afternoon.