Bucks acquire F-C Magloire for F Mason, 2006 first-rounder
MILWAUKEE (Ticker) - Jamaal Magloire has been summoned to help the Milwaukee Bucks usher in a new era.
On Wednesday, the Bucks acquired the 6-11 Magloire from the New Orleans Hornets for swingman Desmond Mason, a 2006 first-round pick and cash considerations.
Magloire, a 2001 first-round pick who has career averages of 9.5 points and 7.4 rebounds in five seasons with the Hornets, will provide a strong, physical presence up front in addition to mentoring 2005 top overall pick Andrew Bogut.
The 27-year-old Magloire emerged as an Eastern Conference All-Star in 2003-04 with career-high averages of 13.6 points and 10.3 rebounds. Last season, he averaged 11.7 points and 8.9 rebounds for a Hornets club that owned the worst record in Western Conference (18-64).
“In Jamaal Magloire, we were able to add a young, All-Star-caliber big man to our frontcourt rotation,” Bucks general manager Larry Harris said. “He can score facing up as well as with his back to the basket and he’s proven to be a good defender and rebounder during his young career.”
The Hornets had been exploring trade possibilities for Magloire, who will make $8.5 million this season and is in the final year of his contract. He expressed some unhappiness with the Hornets during last season.
Magloire likely will start alongside Bogut or in place of him. The Bucks also have 6-11 center Dan Gadzuric, who averaged 7.3 points and 8.3 rebounds last season.
Mason, 28, averaged a career-high 17.2 points last season, his first as a full-time starter. He has increased his scoring average each season in the NBA since being selected 17th overall by Seattle in 2000 but became somewhat expendable when the Bucks signed forward Bobby Simmons in the offseason.
“Desmond had a breakout year for the Bucks last season, and I look forward to him continuing to develop his game here with us,” Hornets coach Byron Scott said. “His skills and athletic ability fit perfectly into our offense, so I’m excited to get him on the court and have him start learning our system.”
A former Slam Dunk champion, Mason was traded to Milwaukee with guard Gary Payton for Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie, Ronald Murray and a conditional first-round pick in February 2003. He averaged 14.4 points in his first full season with the Bucks in 2003-04.
“In Desmond, we get both a defensive stopper and another perimeter scoring option, Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. “At the same time, this trade helps us prepare for the future by acquiring that first-round pick.”
However, the trade also leaves the Hornets without a proven big man alongside forward P.J. Brown, who was forced to play center while Magloire was injured for much of last season and was overmatched.
In 395 career games, Mason has averaged 12.9 points and 1.8 assists.
