Thunder acquire center Chandler from Hornets

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired center Tyson Chandler from the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday in exchange for Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox.

Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the second overall pick in the 2001 draft, Chandler was averaging 8.8 points and 8.3 rebounds a game this season with the Hornets.

Since jumping from high school directly into the NBA, the 7-foot-1 center has averaged 8.2 points and nine rebounds in eight seasons including five with the Chicago Bulls.

"We are excited to add a young defensive-minded big man we feel can help us now and in the future," general manager Scott Presti told the team''s website (www.nba.com/thunder).

By trading Chandler and picking up the expiring contracts of Smith and Wilcox, the Hornets are expecting to gain some room to maneuver under the salary cap.

Taken first overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1995, the much-traveled Smith joins his 10th team in a 14-year career that has included stops in Detroit, Milwaukee, Denver, Chicago, Cleveland and two stints with Philadelphia and Minnesota.

Smith was averaging 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in 36 games with the Thunder this season.

Wilcox was averaging 8.4 points in 37 games.

(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Tony Jimenez)