CHARLOTTE, N.C.

The Charlotte Hornets acquired veteran swingman Courtney Lee from the Grizzlies in a three-team trade that will help bolster the team’s perimeter shooting and defense after losing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for the season to a shoulder injury.

The Grizzlies got forward P.J. Hairston from Charlotte and big man Chris Andersen and two second-round draft picks from the Heat, who will get guard Brian Roberts from Charlotte.

The three teams confirmed the trade Tuesday night.

“He brings a lot of experience,” Hornets general manager Rich Cho said in a conference call. “He is a vet that is a true pro. He’s a great shooter and plays great defense.”

Hornets coach Steve Clifford coached Lee before in Orlando.

The Hornets went into the All-Star break in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, just ahead of the Detroit Pistons, who bolstered their roster on Tuesday by adding Tobias Harris from the Magic. Just seven games after Kidd-Gilchrist made a surprisingly early return from a serious shoulder injury, he suffered another shoulder injury, dealing a difficult blow to Charlotte’s defense.

Lee is in his eighth NBA season and has established a reputation as a coveted “3 and D guy,” a player who can knock down open 3-point shots while also serving as a capable defender on the wing.

“There are not a lot of those 3 and D guys around,” Cho said.



Comments are not available on this story.