OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired center Tyson Chandler from New Orleans in a deal that sends veterans Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox to the Hornets.

After years of trying to draft and develop a front-line center, the move finally gives the Thunder a proven talent inside. The 7-foot-1 Chandler has averaged 8.8 points and 8.3 rebounds this season as the frequent recipient of All-Star point guard Chris Paul's alley-oop passes.

For the Hornets, the trade provides an opportunity to shed salary in an uncertain New Orleans economy by adding two contracts that expire at the end of the season. The Hornets also got the rights to DeVon Hardin, a second-round pick out of California in last year's draft.