(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-09-11 11:20

NEW YORK - The Denver Nuggets traded forward Reggie Evans and the rights to Ricky Sanchez to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday for Steven Hunter and Bobby Jones.

The two teams are familiar trading partners, working together on last year's blockbuster deal that saw the 76ers send MVP Allen Iverson to Denver.

"We're very pleased with this deal," Nuggets vice-president of basketball operation Mark Warkentien was quoted as saying on www.nba.com. "Steven is an athletic, 7-foot big man; a Mile High runner that can block shots.

"We think his presence will provide us with a more balanced roster.

"Bobby is an intriguing young player, who really played well at the end of the season.

"This move greatly helps us add depth at our center position while reducing our inventory of power forwards."

The key to the deal for the Nuggets was Hunter, a seven-foot swingman who averaged career highs of 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 70 games last season in Philadelphia and will be expected to backup Marcus Camby.

The 76ers add some muscle under the basket in Evans, who averaged 7.5 rebounds a game last season for the Nuggets. He also led the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes last season with 19.7.

"We are excited to add Reggie Evans our roster," said 76ers President Billy King on www.NBA.com. "He is an accomplished rebounder that we feel will make an immediate impact."

Sanchez was a member of the Puerto Rican national team at the recent FIBA Americas championship, averaging 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds.