PHILADELPHIA -- The Hornets traded backup center Hilton Armstrong and cash considerations to the Sacramento Kings on Monday for a 2016 second-round draft choice, a move that brings the team closer to getting under the luxury-tax threshold of $69.9 million.
By eliminating Armstrong's $2.8 million salary this season, the Hornets' payroll stands at $70.5 million -- and New Orleans is in the neighborhood of $500,000 over the luxury tax figure.
The team has until the end of the season to reach the luxury-tax limit, and the trading deadline is Feb. 18. The Hornets are expected to make another move to get below the luxury-tax limit, according to team sources.
Armstrong, a first-round draft pick in 2006 (the 12th overall), had not appeared in a game with the Hornets since Dec. 14 and has been among the team's inactives for the past seven games.
"It puts us closer, very close to that (luxury tax) line," Hornets General Manger/Coach Jeff Bower said before Monday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. "And it does open up a roster spot as well if there's a need for future transactions that involve multiple players as well. That's a plus.
"We didn't feel (the trade) had a big effect on our playing rotation, and the rotation we've been using is one that we think we've gotten some results with. Moving forward, we felt really solid with the front-line players we're using, including Julian Wright."
Bower also said Armstrong, who averaged 3.6 points and 2.7 rebounds during his time with the Hornets -- including 2.8 points and 3.4 rebounds this season -- felt a change of scenery might be good for him.
Armstrong already had left the team to join the Kings and was unavailable for comment.
"It's an opportunity for Hilton to get a chance to play," Bower said. "Hilton was an outstanding young man. He worked hard. This was something, in discussions earlier in the year with his agent, he knew (a move) was a possibility -- and he felt it might be in his best interest as well to be in a different situation."
Bower said the Hornets would continue to be active in trade discussions.
"We'll see if there's a situation that presents itself that can help us in one way or another," he said.
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