When the NBA announced this year’s luxury tax threshold being right at $70 million the New Orleans Hornets were faced with a serious problem. Given their small market in Louisiana and a $78 million payroll it appeared to be inevitable to find some way to cut their expenses in order to ensure the financial well being of the franchise.

Subsequently, the Hornets were able to save about $1.3 million by trading Tyson Chandler to the Bobcats in exchange for Emeka Okafor. However, this move did not only provide New Orleans with cap relief but could very well translate into a significant improvement on the court. With the roster being built around the core of Chris Paul, David West and Emeka Okafor the Hornets appear to be bound for another year in the post-season.

Yesterday, New Orleans’ front office announced that they could reach terms with the Los Angeles Clippers to ship out shooting guard Rasual Butler in exchange for a conditional 2016 second-round draft pick. In 2008-09, Butler averaged 11.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in 82 regular season games. He has proven to be a reliable 3-point shooter at 37% from beyond the arc and could be an excellent fit for the Clippers.

The Hornets on the other hand save another $3.9 million and lower their total payroll to $73 million, approaching their goal of avoiding the undesirable luxury tax. However, the move undoubtedly makes their roster thinner and leaves many fans behind wondering if the franchise can really go forward in cost-cutting mode. Likewise, the acquisition of Rasual Butler most likely shuts the door on the Clippers attempts to sign Allen Iverson.

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