New Orleans Hornets Best Moments Of 2012

5. Trading Away Trevor Ariza & Emeka Okafor

The Hornets traded away Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor to the Washington Wizards on June 20th. All the Hornets got in return for these two players was Rashard Lewis, who the Hornets cut almost instantaneously. This trade represented the start of a new era in New Orleans. Ariza and Okafor are scheduled to make a combined $20 million in 12-13 and 13-14. No offense to Ariza and Okafor but they easily are at the top of my list of biggest over-paid players in the NBA. Trading them away has made it possible for the Hornets to pick up another big tim free agent in the offseason.

Dec 31, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; New Orleans Hornets forward Trevor Ariza (1) and center Emeka Okafor (50) block out Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis (center) during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports