Memphis acquires Gasol's countryman

WASHINGTON — The Washington Wizards traded the rights to Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday for a future first-round draft pick.

The Wizards drafted Navarro in the second round, 40th overall, in 2002. He never joined the team, though, instead playing for FC Barcelona in the Spanish league.

"We're pleased to acquire a first-round pick, which gives us an additional asset," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said. "Our backcourt is deep and versatile. By trading the rights to Juan Carlos Navarro ... we have greater flexibility to build our team."

NETS SIGN HITE: Free-agent guard Robert Hite signed with the New Jersey Nets on Thursday. Hite played in 12 games for the Miami Heat last season, averaging 4.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes. He also appeared in 19 games for the Sioux Falls Sky Force of the NBA Development League, averaging 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

SPURS SIGN UDOKA: The San Antonio Spurs signed free agent swingman Ime Udoka on Thursday. Ukoka, who was undrafted out of Portland State, averaged 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 75 games with the Portland Trail Blazers last season. He ranked 19th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, making 89 of 219 attempts.

CLIPPERS SIGN DIAZ: The Los Angeles Clippers signed guard Guillermo Diaz on Thursday. Diaz, the Clippers' second-round pick in 2006, played in the Czech Republic and Greece last season. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 10.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in five games for the Clippers' Las Vegas Summer League team.

PISTONS SIGN HAYES: The Detroit Pistons signed free-agent guard/forward Jarvis Hayes on Thursday. The 6-foot-8 Hayes appeared in 81 games last season for the Washington Wizards, averaging 7.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 20.1 minutes.