The Warriors have agreed to send Wright to the Philadelphia 76ers in a three-team trade that will net guard Jarrett Jack from the New Orleans Hornets, two people familiar with the decision said Wednesday.
The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the trade is still being finalized, said the Hornets will receive the 76ers' draft rights to Edin Bavcic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a salary-slashing move that also clears space in a crowded backcourt. Bavcic, acquired by Philadelphia in a trade with Toronto in 2006, is expected to remain in Europe next season.
The original proposed trade had the Warriors receiving Bavcic for Wright. Instead, the Hornets hopped in the mix to acquire Bavcic and hand the Warriors the veteran guard they've wanted this offseason to play alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
"Well new Orleans it's been real," Jack wrote on his Twitter page. He also thanked Hornets fans for their support.
The move will clear about $5.5 million in cap space for New Orleans, which is expected to match Phoenix's four-year, $58 million offer to restricted free agent Eric Gordon. The trade gives the Hornets more money to sign a center and also allows rookie combo guard Austin Rivers, the 10th overall pick out of Duke in last month's NBA draft, to see more playing time next season.
The trade was still pending until a series of other moves paved the way for the complicated deal.
The Sixers will use the amnesty clause on Elton Brand and the $18.1 million he's owed in the final season of a five-year contract - a move that has to happen for the Wright trade to go through.
Philadelphia also agreed to deals with forward Lavoy Allen and center Spencer Hawes and a one-year contract with veteran swingman Nick Young. Young's arrival allowed the Sixers to part ways with reserve guard Lou Williams.
Wright also becomes the 3-point threat needed after Philadelphia decided to not re-sign Jodie Meeks.
The 6-foot-9 Wright is due about $4 million in the final year of his contract- coincidentally negotiated by Warriors general manager Bob Myers, who is Wright's former agent. With so many one-year deals, the Sixers are clearly aiming to have plenty money available to deal in the 2013 free agent market.
They also have a player who can make an immediate impact.
Wright averaged 16.4 points and started all 82 games during the 2010-11 season. He led the league in 3-pointers made (194) and finished third in voting for the NBA's Most Improved Player award behind Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge.
But his playing time slipped under rookie coach Mark Jackson and so did his performance. Wright averaged 10.3 points and started 61 of 66 games during the lockout-shortened season.
After the Warriors selected small forwards Harrison Barnes seventh overall and Draymond Green at No. 35 in the draft, it became clear Wright's time with the Warriors was nearing an end. Golden State also has Richard Jefferson under contract for two more seasons and is hoping to re-sign restricted free agent Brandon Rush - likely using the money Wright freed up.
Jack averaged 15.6 points and 6.3 assists last season and could challenge for the starting shooting guard spot held by Thompson, the Warriors' 11th overall pick in 2011. Jack also gives the Warriors some depth with the often-injured Curry recovering from his latest surgery on his right ankle.
