Cole Aldrich, Morris Peterson officially join Oklahoma City Thunder

It will bring former Kansas center Cole Aldrich, the No. 11 overall pick in the June 24 draft, and Morris Peterson to Oklahoma City. The Hornets will receive 21st pick Craig Brackins and 26th selection Quincy Pondexter.

The deal couldn't be finalized until today at the earliest because the Thunder used salary cap space to acquire Peterson, who has one year remaining on his contract at $6.64 million.

"We are pleased to welcome Cole and Morris to the Thunder organization," said Thunder GM Sam Presti in a release issued by the team. "Cole brings a blue-collar approach to the defensive end of the floor that complements our current core as we continue to build our team in Oklahoma City. Morris adds more shooting to our roster in addition to his professionalism and experience."

Aldrich averaged 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks as a junior at Kansas. The 6-11 Aldrich is lauded for his defensive skills and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. He left the Jayhawks as the school's all-time leader in blocks in a season with 125 and finished second on the career blocks list with 253.

Peterson, a 10-year veteran, holds career averages of 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 707 games with Toronto and New Orleans. The 6-foot-7 swingman is a career 41.8 percent shooter.

Aldrich currently is in Orlando, where the Thunder's rookies and second-year players are competing in this weeks' AirTran Airways Pro Summer League. Aldrich, however, is not expected to compete in the Thunder's final two games.