ITA - Hornets trade for Belinelli

NEW ORLEANS (NBA) - Italy international Marco Belinelli is swapping NBA teams after being traded by the Toronto Raptors to the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.

The Hornets sent Julian Wright to the Toronto Raptors in order to acquire the 6ft 5in guard.

“Marco is an excellent shooter who can help spread the floor and give us added depth in the backcourt," said Hornets general nanager Dell Demps. "He has great international playing experience from his time in Italy as well as his two seasons in the NBA. We are excited about his addition to our roster."

Belinelli, selected 18th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2007, played 66 times for Toronto last season, averaging 7.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Wright was the 13th overall pick in that same 2007 draft, and last year averaged 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 68 games.

The trade was one of two made Wednesday by the Hornets, with the other a four-team deal in which New Orleans got Trevor Ariza from the Houston Rockets, James Posey and Darren Collison moved to the Indiana Pacers, Courtney Lee went from New Jersey to Houston, and Indiana sent Troy Murphy to the Nets.

FIBA