Hornets to Trade Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza?

Hornets GM Dell Demps told the Times Picayune that he’d be open to trading either Emeka Okafor or Trevor Ariza, along with the Hornets’ 10th pick, to dump salary and possibly pursue veteran free agents: “Although the upcoming NBA draft is deep in talent, Hornets General Manager Dell Demps hasn’t ruled out the possibility of trading the team’s second lottery pick. ‘Yes, we will if it makes sense,’’ said Demps. The Hornets have the 10th pick in the draft June 28, as well as the No. 1 overall selection, which the team is expected use on Kentucky power forward Anthony Davis. ‘There’s been some teams that have put young guys around a top pick,’ Demps said. ‘Some of the other teams have put veterans around the pick. Some have been successful both ways. I think we’re just going to look at what is best for our situation.’ To improve the roster around Davis, the Hornets could try to explore a deal that would include trading either center Emeka Okafor or small forward Trevor Ariza, along with the 10th pick. That would clear salary cap space to possibly pursue more veteran help in free agency.”