FILE - In this Dec. 5, 2010, file photo, Memphis Grizzlies guard Xavier Henry (13) shoots against Denver Nuggets center Nene (31) from Brazil during an NBA basketball game in Denver. A person familiar with the deal says Philadelphia, Memphis and New Orleans have agreed on a multi-player trade. The 76ers are sending Marreese Speights to Memphis, the Grizzlies will move Xavier Henry to New Orleans and the Grizzlies and Hornets each will send a second-round draft pick to Philadelphia, the person told The Associated Press Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

Wednesday’s biggest ‘Hawks in the NBA news involved a former KU player who hasn’t played in an NBA game since Feb. 22, 2011: Xavier Henry, the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2010 draft pick who played only 38 games in his rookie season because of injuries, was traded from the Grizzlies to the New Orleans Hornets.

Henry is still recovering from an early-December ankle sprain and told the Times-Picayune:

“I think I’ll definitely be out there in the next two weeks … I have a good estimation of about 10 days maybe, but I’d say in the next two weeks I’ll be out there playing.”

In an interview with the T-P, New Orleans coach Monty Williams said Henry will definitely play when healthy — most likely at the small forward and shooting guard positions.

Sports Illustrated’s Zach Lowe wrote on Wednesday that Henry “wasn’t in (the Grizzlies’) plans this season or going forward.” Like the trade that moved Brandon Rush from Indiana to Golden State, a fresh start in New Orleans might be exactly what Henry needs to get his NBA career back on track.

And, like Rush, Henry will change his uniform number to No. 4, according to Hornets.com writer Jim Eichenhofer.

You can watch video of Eichenhofer’s interview with Henry here.

Wednesday notes

• Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics) scored 24 points (8-14 FG, 3-5 3P, 5-7 FT) with six rebounds, five assists and a steal in almost 30 minutes on Wednesday (full stats here). The Celtics were up, 63-47, on the New Jersey Nets at the end of three quarters, and Pierce sat out the rest of the game. Pierce told the Boston Herald that he’s been happy playing only three quarters during the Celtics’ four-game winning streak:

“It’s been like that the last four games. I’ve only played four or five fourth-quarter minutes since I’ve been back,” Pierce said. “Maybe that’s my new role. It’s good, though. It gives me a lot of added rest, especially with a season like this and games so compact. I can sit the fourth quarter.”

• Mario Chalmers (Miami Heat) had a solid, efficient game Wednesday night as the Heat blew out the Indiana Pacers, 118-83. Chalmers played 30 minutes and had 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-5 3P), six rebounds, three assists, a steal and only one turnover (full stats here). Chalmers’ backup, rookie Norris Cole, played only 20 minutes (mostly in the fourth quarter of the rout) and shot 4 for 12 for 10 points with six turnovers.

• Markieff Morris (Phoenix Suns) struggled with fouls on Wednesday as the Suns lost to the Dallas Mavericks, 98-89. Markieff picked up two fouls in four minutes at the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second and was subbed out. Toward the end of the second quarter Markieff re-entered the game, committed his third foul within seven seconds and was pulled again. Markieff finished the game with four points, five rebounds and four fouls in 17 minutes (full stats here).

• Brandon Rush (Golden State Warriors) went scoreless in 17 minutes in a 101-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Rush missed both of his shots (a three-pointer and a blocked layup) and turned the ball over once. He also registered a rebound and a steal (full stats here). Warriors starting point guard Stephen Curry injured his ankle (again), so Rush could see more playing time in the coming games as regular starting two guard Monta Ellis takes over some of Curry’s responsibilities.

• Josh Selby (Memphis Grizzlies) did not play (coach’s decision) on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Starter Mike Conley is back from injury and played 38 minutes, while backup Jeremy Pargo played 10 minutes, leaving no room for Selby in the point guard rotation.

Other notes

• KGBT Action 4 News talked to Houston Rockets/Rio Grande Valley Vipers forward Marcus Morris about his reaction to his D-League assignment:

Marcus and the Vipers play next at 7 p.m. on Friday.

• Greg Ostertag (NBADL Texas Legends) and Brady Morningstar (Tulsa 66ers) play against each other tonight at 7. You can watch the game for free online on the D-League’s website.

• Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut will miss “a few more games,” according to a report by CBSSports.com. Drew Gooden, who started and played 36 minutes on Tuesday, could see similar playing time tonight against Sacramento, as both Bogut and power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will miss the game.

Jayhawks in upcoming NBA games

Thursday, Jan. 5

• 7 p.m., TNT, Mario Chalmers and the Miami Heat vs. the Atlanta Hawks

• 9 p.m., Drew Gooden and the Milwaukee Bucks vs. the Sacramento Kings