Kings Trade Omri Casspi To Cleveland For J.J. Hickson
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The Sacramento Kings have traded forward Omri Casspi and a future first-round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for forward-center J.J. Hickson.
"We're very excited about the opportunity to acquire J.J. Hickson from the Cavaliers," said Kings' President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. "We believe he'll continue to fortify our frontline going forward. He's an improving young player who is just 22 years old. We believe J.J. will be an important complement to our frontcourt and overall roster as well. We also wish Omri the best and hope he continues on to have a successful career with the Cavaliers."
According to the Kings, the 6'9" Hickson has been in the NBA for 3 years. He's averaged 13.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He was selected by Cleveland in the first round (19th overall pick) of the 2008 NBA Draft following his freshman season at North Carolina State where he earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors and was named Honorable Mention All-Conference.
Casspi, who is a fan favorite in Sacramento, is the first Israeli-born player in the NBA. He has spent his two years in the NBA with the Kings averaging 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game.