Rockets, Grizzlies and Hornets Deal on Slow NBA Trade Deadline Day

Bonzi Wells (center) has been traded from the Houston Rockets to the New Orleans Hornets. (AP Images)

While all has been relatively quiet on the NBA Trade Deadline front, there was a somewhat significant deal that went down just a few hours ago.

According to league sources, the New Orleans Hornets beefed up for a possible playoff run by acquiring Mike James and Bonzi Wells from the Houston Rockets. Houston will recieve Bobby Jackson, Adam Haluska and a second round pick while Memphis - added to the trade just to make the financials work - will get Brazilian forward Marcus Vinicius from the Hornets.

Other fodder (cash, second round picks, Senegalese center Malick Badiane) exchanged hands but the biggest pieces have to be James and Wells.

James had fallen out of favor in Houston - having only played 39 minutes over the last 25 games - and is saddled with a monster contract. He'll be paid $6 million next season and an option for $6.4 for the following. But he's only two years removed from his most successful season, when he averaged 20.3 points per game for the Toronto Raptors.

Wells has always been an enigmatic figure who has tons of talent but little heart and/or desire. He was averaging 9.2 points per game this season but has fought a myriad of injuries over the last three seasons.

The trade gives New Orleans a few more scoring options and some guard depth behind Chris Paul.

Will this deal push the Hornets over the top? Get all your NBA Basketball Betting options in the Bodog Sportsbook!