In the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia 76ers have traded center Dikembe Mutumbo to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for forward Keith Van Horn and center Todd MacCulloch.
The two-meters, 18-centimeter tall Mutombo from the Democratic Republic of Congo gives New Jersey a powerful big man in the middle, something they lacked when the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Nets in this year's NBA Finals.
Mutombo averaged 11.5 points, nearly 11 rebounds and more than two blocked shots per game last season. He also matched better against Lakers Center Shaquille O'Neal, averaging nearly 17 points per game against O'Neal in the 2001 NBA Finals.
MacCulloch was Mutombo's backup in Philadelphia two years ago. He averaged almost 10 points, six rebounds and just under 1.5 blocks per game this past season for New Jersey.
Van Horn averaged a career-low 14.8 points but led the Nets in rebounds with 7.5 per game last season. His presence is expected to give the Sixers some offensive firepower.
The trade could have some salary cap implications for both teams. Mutumbo signed a $68 million deal with Philadelphia last year and now becomes New Jersey's highest paid player. MacCulloch just completed the first year of a six year, $34 million deal while Van Horn is entering the third year of a six year, $73 million contract extension.