The New Orleans Hornets sent starting point guard Jarrett Jack to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday as part of a 3 team trade. In exchang for Jack, the the Hornets receive Center Edin Bavcic from the Philadelphia 76ers. Philly receives Dorrell Wright from the Warriors, and Darryl Watkins from New Orleans.

Trading Jack shreds $5.4 million of the current salary cap for the Hornets, giving them more flexibility after acquiring power forward Ryan Anderson in a sign-and-trade deal from the Orlando Magic. Anderson's contract will pay him $36 million over 4 seasons. Couple that with the Hornets expected matching of Eric Gordon's restricted tender with the Phoenix Suns for $58 million over 4 years, and New Orleans needed to clear some cap space for the short term.

The move also points to the trend of 10th overall pick Austin Rivers playing point guard for the fleur-de-bees. Rivers, who wasn't sure whether he would play the 1 or the 2, spent all of his practice time on Wednesday at the point.

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 Jack had one year left on his contract, but it doesn't mean its easy for New Orleans to see him go.

“This is difficult because Jarrett is a hard worker and his leadership on and off the court will be missed,” said Hornets General Manager Dell Demps. “This trade presents an opportunity for our young core to continue to develop.”

Shortly after the trade was announced, Jack tweeted the following: "Well New Orleans it’s been real. Like to thank all the fans, you treated me great during my time as a Hornet.’’

The 7-year veteran was a great leader for the Hornets. The team captain averaged a career-high 15.6 points, 6.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds last season.

Bavcic played for Vanoli-Braga Cremona and Bennet Cantu of the Italy’s top division (Serie A) last season, as well as for KAO Dramas in Greece where he averaged 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 55.2% from the field in 18 games.  He was originally drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, and has never been on a regular season NBA roster.

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