New Orleans, Portland and Sacramento have agreed to a three-team trade sending guard Tyreke Evans to the Pelicans, center Robin Lopez to the Trail Blazers and guard Greivis Vasquez to the Kings, people familiar with the deal said.
The people, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because NBA rules prevent confirmation of trades until July 10, say Portland is sending second-round draft pick Jeff Withey to New Orleans and a future draft pick to Sacramento as part of the deal, which was first reported by ESPN. The trade also sends guard Terrel Harris to Portland.
Evans, a former Rookie of the Year and restricted free agent, averaged 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists with the Kings last season, his fourth. At 6-foot-6, he has demonstrated the versatility to play either guard position, or even small forward when matchups favor doing so.
The 7-foot Lopez, who was New Orleans’ starting center after arriving in a trade with Phoenix, averaged 11.3 points to go with 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks last season, all career highs in what was his fifth NBA season. The 6-6 Vasquez, who started at point guard, averaged career highs of 13.9 points and nine assists and was widely regarded as one of the most improved players in the NBA.
For New Orleans, the trade comes on the heels of a draft-day deal that sent sixth overall pick Nerlens Noel to Philadelphia in exchange for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday. Because of Evans’ versatility, he could potentially become a key sixth man, backing up both Holiday or high-scoring shooting guard Eric Gordon as needed and giving all three players the minutes they command. That is, if the Pelicans decide not to trade Gordon, who has played only 51 games in the past two seasons combined because of lingering knee problems.
Last season, Portland played J.J. Hickson, a true power forward, at center alongside two-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum.
The addition of Lopez will give the Blazers help at the position while developing 7-1 Meyers Leonard, the 11th overall pick in the 2012 draft out of Illinois.
Cavs, Clark agree to deal
CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers have landed one of the Lakers’ front-line free agents. No, not that guy.
Cleveland has agreed to terms on a two-year, $9 million contract with forward Earl Clark, said a person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because NBA teams can’t officially sign players until the free agent period ends on July 10.
The 6-foot-10 Clark set career-highs in scoring (7.3), rebounds (5.5) and minutes (23.1) in 36 starts last season. Before joining the Lakers, Clark played for Orlando and Phoenix.
Knicks to keep pair
NEW YORK — J.R. Smith and Pablo Prigioni are staying in New York to help the Knicks build on their best season in nearly decades.
The NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year and the point guard from Argentina both agreed to multiyear deals Thursday, their agents confirmed.
Smith averaged 18.1 points during the regular season, second on the team behind Carmelo Anthony.
Prigioni finally came to the NBA this season at 35 after playing in Spain. He played limited minutes as a reserve most of the season but moved into the starting lineup down the stretch and the Knicks took off, going 16-2 with Prigioni among the first five.
The point guard for Argentina’s national team averaged 3.5 points in 78 games. He could make about $6 million over three years.
Center, Bobcats reach deal
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People familiar with the situation say the Charlotte Bobcats have agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million contract with free agent center Al Jefferson from the Utah Jazz.
Jefferson will make $13.5 million in each season with a player option for the third year. He averaged 17.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Utah last season, his third with the Jazz.
Hawks, Korver have deal
ATLANTA — A person with knowledge of the deal says the Atlanta Hawks have reached an agreement to re-sign guard-forward Kyle Korver to a multiyear deal.
Korver averaged 10.9 points per game and ranked second in the NBA by making 45.7 percent of his 3-point shots. Korver also had reported interest from Brooklyn, Milwaukee and San Antonio.
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