The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired 6'7" forward Chase Budinger and the draft rights to 6'9" forward Lior Eliyahu from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the 18th overall pick in Thursday's draft.
In Budinger, Minnesota is getting a rotation guy who can space the floor with his spot-up three-point shooting. A former standout volleyball player, Budinger has above-average hops and can finish at the rim. He also is an underrated passer.
"We're excited to add a player like Chase who is a proven shot-maker and also has an excellent all-around game," said David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. "Chase knows Rick Adelman's system well after playing for him in Houston, and he will be a good fit on our team."
The 24-year-old Budinger played three seasons in Houston and has career averages of 9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 210 games. The 44th overall selection by the Detroit Pistons in the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger established career highs in field goal percentage (.442) and three-point field goal percentage (.402) last season. He is also a career 81% foul shooter.
"Chase was an integral part of our team in Houston my last two years as coach there," Adelman said. "He will help our perimeter game with his athleticism and shooting ability. Chase's game has improved in each of his first three seasons in the NBA and we look forward to that continuing here in Minnesota."
Houston has been actively wheeling and dealing in the days before the draft, as they are rumored to be in the hunt for Dwight Howard. By adding the 18th pick, the Rockets have another asset they can package in a trade for a star.
Eliyahu, a native of Israel, has played the past two seasons for Maccabi Tel Aviv, averaging 11.3 points on .579 shooting in 2011-12. The 26-year-old is a member of the Israeli National Team.
By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services
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