New Orleans Hornets: First-round draft pick David West was signed to a three-year contract.

West, who played at Xavier, was the 18th overall choice in last month's NBA draft.

West was dominant in his senior season. He was The Associated Press' college player of the year after averaging more than 20 points and nearly 12 rebounds, while setting Xavier's career record for blocked shots with 228.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but according to the NBA rookie salary scale, a three-year contract for the for the 18th pick is worth about $3.1 million.

New Jersey Nets: The club signed first-round draft choice Zoran Planinic, just hours after All Star point guard Jason Kidd announced he was returning to the team.

Planinic, the 22nd pick overall in the draft, will earn approximately $2.6 million under terms of the three-year deal. The team has an option for a fourth season for the shooting guard who can also play the point.

"We are very pleased to add Zoran to our roster," Nets president Rod Thorn said in a statement. "He is a 6-7 guard who should add youth and depth to our backcourt."

Planinic is a native of Croatia. He played in 18 Euroleague contests last season, averaging 7.8 points and 2.8 assists, shooting 51 percent from the field.

Washington Wizards: Director of player personnel Fred Whitfield is leaving to explore other job opportunities.

"Fred has been a big help during this transition period," said new president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld. "He has made very positive contributions to this organization and has showed nothing but class and professionalism. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Whitfield joined the Wizards staff in May of 2002. He completed three seasons as a member of Washington's basketball operations staff.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.