Sonics acquire Fortson

The Dallas Mavericks traded power forward Danny Fortson to the Seattle SuperSonics for Calvin Booth, bringing back the 7-footer they once thought might help solve their woes at center.

The deal is a perfect fit for both clubs. Dallas is focused on improving its defense and Booth is an excellent shot-blocker. The Sonics were the NBA’s worst rebounding team last season and Fortson has twice been among the league’s best in that category. Their salaries also were nearly identical, with both of their contracts running through the 2006-07 season.

“Calvin wanted and needed a change of address and I think Danny did too,” Seattle coach Nate McMillan said.

Booth initially came to Dallas with Juwan Howard at the trade deadline in 2001.

“When he was with the Mavs, it was probably his best year as a pro,” said Donnie Nelson, Dallas’ president of basketball operations. “We’re hoping to recapture some of that magic.”

Dallas had hoped to re-sign Booth that offseason, but Seattle offered more than the Mavericks could because of the salary cap. He never lived up to expectations with the Sonics, partly because of injuries and a shift in the team’s playing style.

He played 71 games last season, starting 35. He averaged 4.9 points and 3.9 rebounds, and led the team with 1.42 blocks.

Fortson averaged just 11.2 minutes over 56 games, with 3.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He was fourth in the NBA in rebounding in both the 1998-99 and 2001-02 seasons.

“This gives us the flexibility to do a lot of things at the forward spot,” Seattle general manager Rick Sund said.