Hornets trade Rambis for Gilliam

CHARLOTTE - The Charlotte Hornets, mired in an eight-game losing streak, traded one veteran and reaquired another yesterday in separate moves.

Charlotte traded veteran forward Kurt Rambis, along with two future second-round draft picks, to Phoenix in exchange for 6-foot-9 forward Armon Gilliam.

Earlier yesterday, Charlotte re-signed free agent Robert Reid. The Hornets waived point guard Andre Turner to make room for Reid. Rambis, a 6-8 forward in his ninth NBA season, was Charlotte's starting power forward and was averaging 9.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. "Kurt was another one of the players that brought this team off the ground," said Hornets coach Dick Harter. "He has been an asset to us ever since he got here, but we had the opportunity to get a younger player for our team." Gilliam, in his third NBA season, had a career average of 15.4 points per game entering this season. But the former Nevada-Las Vegas star had seen his scoring average, as well as his minutes, decrease this season. Gilliam, the second pick in the 1987 draft, is averaging 8.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and shooting 43 percent this season while playing an average of 16.7 minutes. "The combination of Mark West, Tom Chambers and Armon just was not working out for us and we needed to make a change," said Phoenix head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons. "We're very pleased to obtain a solid veteran like Kurt who will bang the boards for us and play tough defense. That's just what we need." Rambis, who signed with the Hornets last year after playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, had already checked out of the team's hotel last night in Washington and could not be reached for comment. He is expected to practice with the Suns tonight in Phoenix and play against the Houston Rockets tomorrow. Gilliam reportedly will leave Phoenix this morning and be on the Charlotte bench tonight when the Hornets play the Bullets. Richard Anderson will take Rambis's spot in the starting lineup until Gilliam becomes familiar with the Hornets' offense. Charlotte general manager Carl Scheer said Gilliam will give the Hornets more power inside to go along with rookie center J.R. Reid. The 25-year-old Gilliam weighs 245 pounds. "I am delighted at the quality of player we have been able to obtain in Gilliam," said Scheer. "He is a young player who has had two quality years in Phoenix, and his size and ability should be a major addition to our team." In addition to Rambis, Charlotte also sent Phoenix a second-round pick in the 1990 draft and the lower of Charlotte's two second-round picks for 1991. Reid, released last week by Portland, rejoins the Hornets after being traded for Anderson Oct. 17. Reid cleared waivers Monday and chose Charlotte's offer of a one-year guaranteed contract over a two-year offer from the Chicago Bulls. Reid, a 6-foot-8 forward/guard in his 12th NBA season, was the third leading scorer for the Hornets last year with a 14.7 average. Reid, who averaged 2.6 points for Portland, will back up Kelly Tripucka at small forward and play at shooting guard Original Atex file name: BYERAM.BIS