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The Orlando Magic have acquired forward Brandon Hunter from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for guard Keith Bogans, General Manager John Weisbrod announced today.

“We obviously have a number of backcourt players and a great deal of versatility in regard to our swing position players,” said Weisbrod. “With this move we are able to add another ‘big’ to our depth. Brandon (Hunter) is a fierce rebounder, particularly on the offensive end, and a tough physical player. We feel running, as we are, is toughest on big men. With Andrew DeClercq injured, we feel it is more important at this time to bolster our frontcourt.

“Even before I was GM, I played a large part in drafting Keith,” added Weisbrod. “I like him a lot and know he will have a solid NBA career ahead of him. Going to Charlotte, he will have the opportunity to get a good number of minutes and display his skills in what is his contract year.”

Hunter (6’7”, 255, 11/24/80) played in five preseason games with Charlotte, averaging 3.2 ppg. and 2.8 rpg. in 13.0 minpg. He was selected by the Bobcats during the Expansion Draft on June 22, 2004. Hunter played in 36 games with Boston in 2003-04, averaging 3.5 ppg. and 3.3 rpg. in 11.3 minpg. during his rookie campaign.

Hunter led (or tied) the Celtics in rebounding three times. He recorded double figures in rebounding twice, including a career-high 16 boards on February 27 vs. Toronto (also had 11 points for first double-double). Hunter scored in double figures four times, including a career-best 17 points vs. Milwaukee on February 25. Hunter also averaged 1.0 rpg. in 10.0 minpg. during three playoff games vs. Indiana.

Selected in the second round (56th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by Boston, Hunter was a four-year starter at Ohio University from 1999-2003. As a senior (2002-03), he averaged 21.5 ppg. and 12.6 rpg., leading the NCAA in rebounding. Hunter became only the third player in Mid-American Conference history to compile 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds (Gary Trent and Ron Harper). He finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds, free throws made and free throws attempted.

Bogans played in six preseason games with Orlando, averaging 3.0 ppg. and 1.2 rpg. in 10.0 minpg. Last season, he played in 73 games with the Magic, averaging 6.8 ppg., 4.3 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 24.5 minpg. during his rookie campaign. He was originally selected by Milwaukee in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft, then traded to Orlando in exchange for cash considerations on June 26, 2003.