Nets Acquire Veteran Robinson For 2 Draft Picks
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Nets strengthened their front line yesterday in trading to acquire forward Clifford Robinson from the Golden State Warriors for two second-round draft picks.
“Clifford is a veteran big man whose overall presence will provide depth to our front court,” Nets President Rod Thorn said.
Robinson, 38, has averaged 15.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 16 NBA seasons. This season, he averaged 8.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 42 games with Golden State. Robinson was suspended for five games earlier this month for violating the NBA’s drug policy.
The Warriors will get the Clippers’ second-round draft pick this season, which the Nets acquired in the trade that sent Kerry Kittles to Los Angeles. Golden State also will get the Nets’ 2007 second-round pick and a trade exception equal to Robinson’s salary.
To make room for Robinson, the Nets released forward Donnell Harvey, who recently signed his second 10-day contract. He averaged 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in three games.
The Nets have been relying on rookie Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins to fill the center spot. The 6-foot-10 Robinson should give the team a more athletic option.
Originally drafted by Portland in the second round in 1989, Robinson has played with Phoenix, Detroit, and Golden State. He was the NBA Sixth Man in 1992-93,and was named to the NBA all defensive second team in 1999-2000 and 2001-02. He has played in 125 career postseason games, averaging 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds.
