It’s Official: Thunder Secure Aldrich, Peterson

Originally Published: Jul 8, 2010 10:28 AM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Thursday the team completed its trade with the New Orleans Hornets, securing draft rights to Cole Aldrich and acquiring Morris Peterson in exchange for the draft rights to Craig Brackins and Quincy Pondexter.

Aldrich was drafted 11th overall, while veteran forward Peterson comes to the team from New Orleans.

General Manager Sam Presti has remained mum since the draft, unable to answer questions about the probable acquisition of Aldrich due to NBA regulations. Thursday marks the first day free agents can sign with prospective teams.

“We are pleased to welcome Cole and Morris to the Thunder organization,” Presti said in a press release Thursday. “Cole brings a blue collar approach to the defensive end of the floor that complements our current core as we continue to build our team in Oklahoma City.

“Morris adds more shooting to our roster in addition to his professionalism and experience.”

Aldrich averaged 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game last season with the Kansas Jayhawks. The center stands six-foot-eleven-inches and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He’s the all-time leader in blocks per season at Kansas.

Peterson brings experience to the young Thunder roster after spending a decade in the NBA. He averages 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists during his 707 games he played with the Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Hornets.