With nine days left until the NBA trade deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Mo Williams to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday morning. Since the franchise is headed to the NBA lottery once again this season, the Timberwolves have acquired another young prospect.
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After trading Williams, the Timberwolves acquired Adreian Payne from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a 2017 lottery-protected first round pick according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:
The Hawks are sending rookie Adreian Payne to the Timberwolves for a 2017 lottery-protected first round pick.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) February 10, 2015
While the Hawks traded away last year’s draft selection in Payne, the move frees up more cap room as they are reportedly chasing Ray Allen or could be looking at Gary Neal according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski:
Two possibilities for opening of Atlanta roster spot: Ray Allen, or Gary Neal reunion with Mike Budenholzer once he's bought out w/ Wolves.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 10, 2015
While all the talk was about the Chicago Bulls or Cleveland Cavaliers coming out of the Eastern Conference, the Hawks have been the surprise team of the season. With the second best record in the NBA behind the Golden State Warriors, the Hawks are looking to win this season and looking to improve their backcourt depth with a three-point specialist.
For the Timberwolves, they continue to add young prospects after trading Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the off-season for Andrew Wiggins. While it may take time, the Timberwolves are on the right path in their rebuilding process.
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