Denver send Hunter, 2010 pick to Grizzlies in exchange for future 2nd rounder

Nuggets swap Hunter, 2010 pick to Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Denver Nuggets swapped Steven Hunter, a protected 2010 first-round pick and cash to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a future conditional second rounder, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Friday.

The trade could give Memphis three first-round selections in the 2010 draft. The Grizzlies already are owed the Lakers’ 2010 pick to complete the February 2008 trade that sent Pau Gasol to Los Angeles.

Memphis drafted No. 2 overall in June when the Grizzlies had three picks within the first 32 spots.

“We are a team which emphasizes the draft, and next year’s draft is projected to be strong,” Wallace said in a statement. “This draft pick from Denver provides us with increased options for the future.”

The 7-foot Hunter is a seven-year pro out of DePaul, who sat out last season after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Nov. 14, 2008. He last played in the 2007-08 season with Denver, appearing in 19 games and averaging 6.3 minutes and 2.3 points.

The 15th pick in the 2001 draft by Orlando, Hunter is averaging 4.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and a block with 15.4 minutes in his career. He has played in 379 games with 130 starts with the Nuggets, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Orlando.

Hunter’s best season was with Philadelphia in 2006-07 when he averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds starting 41 games. The Sixers traded him to Denver in September 2007.

With Hunter, the Grizzlies have an NBA-high four players who are 7-foot or taller. Memphis drafted 7-3 Hasheem Thabeet with the No. 2 pick overall in June, adding him to 7-1 Marc Gasol and Hamed Haddadi.