Bobcats trade for Warriors' Richardson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan went looking for the go-to scorer the Charlotte Bobcats lacked in their first three NBA seasons.

Unable to make those shots himself from the front office, the Bobcats' part-owner — who has the final say on personnel moves — pulled off a draft night trade Thursday that he hopes gives the team what it's been missing.

The Bobcats acquired swingman Jason Richardson from the Golden State Warriors for North Carolina's Brandan Wright, the eighth pick in the draft. Charlotte also got the Warriors' second-round pick, forward Jermareo Davidson of Alabama, more than two hours after Jordan selected Wright.

Now Richardson will try to turn into the late-game scorer the Bobcats need.

"Can he be a Michael Jordan? We're not expecting him to be," Jordan said. "Can he be a piece that helps us finish ball games a lot better? Can he give us a little more firepower on the offense end? Yes."

With the 22nd pick, the Bobcats took forward Jared Dudley of Boston College.

Richardson, a five-year NBA veteran, averaged 16.3 points last season but missed 31 games due to knee injuries. He averaged more than 19 points a game in the playoffs, when the Warriors upset top-seeded Dallas in the first round. Richardson averaged 23.2 points in the 2005-06 season.

The Bobcats had inside information on Richardson from general manager Rod Higgins, who was hired last month after three seasons with the Warriors. Richardson developed in Oakland after being chosen with the fifth pick in the 2001 draft.

"He'll blend in, but more importantly he's that guy who wants to score the ball in the clutch," Higgins said. "He's a terrific player, a terrific human being."

The move also means the Bobcats will take on a big salary, as Richardson is owed $51 million over the final four years of his contract. Charlotte's $41 million payroll last season was the lowest in the league.

The Bobcats have often struggled late in games in getting off shots, something they hope Richardson will change. He'll also lessen the impact if leading scorer Gerald Wallace, an unrestricted free agent, is not re-signed.

But Jordan, who became part owner last year, said the Bobcats anticipate re-signing Wallace.

"I fully expect him to be here," he said. "I hope we can come to some understanding."