Blazers deal Batum to Hornets

Jun 25, 2015 - 1:07 AM Portland, OR (SportsNetwork.com) - The Portland Trail Blazers finalized a trade to send forward Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Gerald Henderson and forward Noah Vonleh.

Batum, who spent his entire seven-year career in Portland, averaged 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists over 71 contests last season. He's due to make $11.86 million in the final year of his contract for the 2015-16 season.

"Nic Batum was a key contributor to all of our recent success," Portland president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said. "He will truly be missed as a person and a player. We wish Nic all the best for the future."

The Blazers will clear up $3 million in cap space with the trade, allowing them more flexibility in an attempt to re-sign LaMarcus Aldridge.

Vonleh, a 19-year-old power forward, was the ninth overall draft pick by the Hornets last year. He played in only 25 games and averaged 3.3 points and 3.4 rebounds.

The 27-year-old Henderson, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, is also entering the final season of his deal, which will pay him $6 million for 2015-16. He spent his first six NBA seasons with Charlotte. He averaged 12.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 80 games last season.