Hornets trade Cedric Simmons to Cavaliers for cash and David

The New Orleans Hornets traded forward Cedric Simmons, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday for David Wesley and undisclosed cash considerations.

Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said the trade freed salary cap space. The team, which played two seasons in Oklahoma City after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, plan to waive Wesley once Simmons passes a physical and the trade is final.

“This trade will help us in a number of areas heading into training camp,” Bower said. “We will be able to focus on developing the additions we’ve made to our frontcourt, it gives us increased flexibility in regards to salary cap management and it gives us the room to add to our roster if we see fit.”

Simmons averaged 2.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 43 games as a rookie last season.

Cleveland signed Wesley, a 14-year veteran known for his defense and outside shooting, to a two-year contract Sept. 4.

Wesley averaged 9.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 71 games, including 59 starts, for Houston last season. His addition temporarily gave the Cavaliers more guards than they had room for on their roster. Wesley, whose contract is not fully guaranteed, was not expected to play for the Cavaliers this season.

The Cavaliers also signed free agent guard Devin Brown, who averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists – all career-highs for the Hornets last season. The 6-foot-5 Brown can play both guard positions as well as small forward.