Ewing chose to leave

Ewing was keen on the switch to Seattle

Centre Patrick Ewing requested his shock move from New York Knicks to Seattle SuperSonics, it has been revealed.

Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts said Ewing had asked to be traded.

Ewing, 38, joined Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for six players, including Glen Rice from the Los Angeles Lakers and four draft picks.

After a 15-year rollercoaster career in New York, Ewing will receive the ultimate compliment.

Knicks plan to retire his No 33 jersey even though he never brought a National Basketball Association championship to the city.

Honoured

"It was time for a change," said Checketts. "He had requested a trade. And we honoured that request in respect for him."

His first appearance at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks will be on 27 February next year.

Meanwhile, veteran guard Hersey Hawkins has been signed by the Charlotte Hornets after he was released by the Chicago Bulls.

It will be his second stint with Charlotte. He played two seasons with the team, averaging 14.4 points in 1993-94 and 14.3 points in 1994-95.

The 6ft 3in guard was acquired by the Bulls from the Seattle SuperSonics prior to last season for Brent Barry.

But he became expendable when Chicago signed free agent shooting guard Ron Mercer in August.