New Orleans has traded guard Rasual Butler to the Los Angeles Clippers for a future second-round draft pick, the Hornets announced Wednesday. Today's move allows us to increase our financial flexibility while at the same time gives us an opportunity to improve at that position, Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said.

Rasual Butler sent the game into overtime with a 3-pointer Tuesday and the New Orleans Hornets went on to beat the Miami Heat 93-87. David West scored eight of his 20 points in overtime for the Hornets, who remained a game behind Portland for the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

Ronnie Brewer, Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur combined for 62 points Sunday, helping the Utah Jazz whip the New Orleans Hornets 108-94. Brewer scored 23 points, Williams 21 and Okur 18, and Andrei Kirilenko added 16 and Carlos Boozer 10 for the Jazz, who ran up a 41-19 lead after one quarter en route

David West scored 40 points Tuesday while Rasual Butler hit a game-winning three at the buzzer, allowing New Orleans to squeak past Sacramento 111-110. A timely screen gave Butler the look he wanted after a timeout and he nailed the winning shot from the top of the arc as time expired.

Chris Paul scored 30 points Friday night and the New Orleans Hornets dominated down the stretch to defeat Milwaukee 95-86. The game was tied with 7:30 to go before the Hornets ran off seven in a row to take control en route to their ninth win in 10 games. David West poured in 21 points and Rasual Butler made four 3-pointers while scoring 17. Milwaukee was led by Richard Jefferson with 27. It was the Bucks' seventh loss in nine contests.