By Fitzgerald Cecilio

The Detroit Pistons traded Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for forward Corey Maggette, the teams announced.

The draft pick a 2013 first-round pick that the Pistons would retain if it falls in the top half of the lottery.

The 32-year-old Maggette averaged 15.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 32 games with the Charlotte Bobcats last season. He is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him $10.9 million.

"We welcome Corey Maggette to our organization in a transaction that provides us with a veteran scorer and defender in addition to increased roster flexibility moving forward," said Joe Dumars, Pistons President of Basketball Operations.

Gordon, 29, averaged 12.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 26.9 minutes in 52 games, including 21 starts, last season. He never lived up to expectations in Detroit after coming over from the Chicago Bulls.

Gordon is scheduled to make $12.4 million in 2012-13 and has a player option worth $13.2 million for 2013-14.

 

 

Pistons Deal Ben Gordon and First Round Pick to Charlotte for Maggette