The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday they have acquired two future second-round draft picks from the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets in exchange for centre Aaron Williams. The first pick will be in this year’s draft and was originally the property of the Miami Heat. The other pick is the Hornets’ 2009 selection.

“We are a team in transition and need to play our young guys,” said Raptors interim general manager Wayne Embry. “Out of respect to Aaron, I thought it best for him to be with a team where he has a chance to play and that is in a playoff hunt.”

Williams played in 14 games with the Raptors this season where he averaged 1.8 points, 1.1 rebounds and 7.1 minutes. In 37 total games in a Toronto uniform, Williams averaged 1.7 points, 1.2 rebounds and 7.2 minutes. He was acquired December 17, 2004 along with Eric Williams, Alonzo Mourning and two first-round draft picks from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Vince Carter.

Williams, 34, will be reunited with Hornets head coach Byron Scott who was his coach for four seasons with the Nets. Currently in his 12th NBA season, Williams has played in 613 regular season and 53 playoff games.

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