Hornets Exercise Option On David West

The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets announced today that they have exercised the team option on forward David West, which will keep the forward with the club through the 2006-07 season.

"David had a frustrating year due to injuries last season, but he has shown great signs during training camp that he is back to where he needs to be," said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. "We look forward to him picking up where he left off before he got hurt and continuing to develop this season."

West has averaged 4.5 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting .458 (183-400) in 101 games over his first two years with the Hornets. He played in just 30 games last season after suffering a right knee contusion on December 4. Prior to the injury, he had averaged 11.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in three games as a starter.

The Hornets selected West in the first round (18th pick overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft.

Via Press Release

New Orleans Hornets

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Mason Wanted Trade

Former Milwaukee Bucks forward Desmond Mason attempted to shed more light on the bitterness he felt over being traded to the New Orleans / Oklahoma City Hornets earlier this week by revealing Friday that over the summer he and his agent had asked the Bucks to trade him, only to be denied.

"This summer, looking at the scenario of how things were playing out . . . we had asked to be moved," Mason told the Journal Sentinel Friday. "We thought it would be in the best of everybody's interest."

Mason was traded Wednesday, along with a first-round draft choice and cash, for center Jamaal Magloire, who is expected to be introduced today at a news conference.

Mason said his agent, Roger Montgomery, told the Bucks that they wanted a trade about the time the Bucks were in the process of signing free agent Bobby Simmons to a $47 million contract in August. Mason and Simmons both play the small-forward position.

According to Mason, general manager Larry Harris at first gave his approval to Mason to seek a trade. But then when other teams called to inquire about a deal, the Bucks expressed no interest.

"We asked to start talking to somebody else," Mason said. "Larry and all those guys gave us permission to talk. There were a few teams that were interested. They called and Larry denied them."

Via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Hornets

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Hornets Waive George Lynch

The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets announced today that they have waived forward George Lynch.

"Coming to an agreement with George allows us to carry an extra player on the roster and allows him to pursue an opportunity with another team this season" said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. "We wish him the best of luck."

Lynch played in 248 games with the Hornets from 2001-2005, averaging 4.3 points and 4.1 rebounds. He averaged 3.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 44 games in 2004-05 and had not appeared with the team during the 2005 preseason.

Via ESPN

New Orleans Hornets

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