Pistons send Gordon, pick to Bobcats for Maggette

Detroit, MI – The Detroit Pistons have traded Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice to the Charlotte Bobcats for Corey Maggette.

The two teams swapped their highest-paid players, with the Bobcats gaining a pick for Gordon's lengthier contract.

"With this trade, we have acquired two things we covet in our plan to build this team," said Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins. "By acquiring a young and proven talent in Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft pick, we have both addressed our need for three-point shooting and acquired an additional asset to help continue to improve our team in the future."

Gordon has another guaranteed year for over $12 million, plus a player option for 2013-14 at over $13 million that he is likely to exercise. Maggette has only one year remaining on his deal at just under $11 million.

"We welcome Corey Maggettte to our organization in a transaction that provides us with a veteran scorer and defender in addition to increased roster flexibility moving forward," said Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars."

Specific details about the first-round pick were not released.

Gordon averaged 12.5 points in 52 games for the Pistons last year, while Maggette averaged 15.0 points in 32 games for the Bobcats.