Clips Trade Wright to Hawks

Clippers Trade Wright to Hawks

August 8,

“Lorenzen Wright to the Hawks ”

The Los Angeles Clippers signed and traded F / C Lorenzen Wright to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for two first round draft picks.

1999 - ‘00 Salary:

Lorenzen Wright, Atl.: $4.4 M

Who got the better of the deal?

Atlanta.

Why?

The Hawks continued their revamping of the roster by adding Wright to the roster.

“We have added a real important piece,” team president Stan Kasten said. “Getting another big, young, strong, athletic, quick big man was kind of a wish list item of ours.”

Lorenzen will back up starting center Dikembe Mutombo and power forward Alan Henderson. Wright, 6’11, is an active rebounder and a good shot blocker. He also has an excellent work ethic. He made it very clear that he did not want to re - sign with the Clippers when he turned down a 6 year, $30 M offer from the Clips.

When word was leaked that Wright was preparing to sign a 1 year, $2 M offer with the LA Lakers, the Hawks and the Clippers became much more willing to make a deal.

“I'm very satisfied with the outcome of this trade,” said Elgin Baylor, Clipper vice president of basketball operations. “It's a deal that gives us more flexibility in pursuing other things.”

The Clips still need a point guard to direct the offense and get the ball to C Michael Olowokandi, F Maurice Taylor, F Tyrone Nesby, and newly acquired G Derek Anderson. It finally looks like the Clippers actually have an effective plan toward becoming a legitimate NBA team.