Only hours after the announced that they had traded Mo Williams to Charlotte, the Timberwolves have made another deal. This time they added a player, acquiring forward/center Adreian Payne from Atlanta for a protected future first round pick. Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders is excited to get the former Michigan State star.
We are extremely excited to welcome Adreian to Minnesota,” said Flip Saunders. “Adreian fits the mold of a young, athletic and talented player who we believe will fit in well with our young and talented core. We’ve liked him for a while and look forward to seeing him grow with us in a Wolves uniform.”
Payne starred at Michigan State, and was the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 draft. However, he only played in three games with the Hawks this season, instead shuffling between Fort Wayne and Austin in the D-League. In 17 games he averaged 12.9 points and 8.5 rebounds.
He’s also Michigan State’s all time leader in blocks and was an Honorable Mention Associated Press All-American. Look for him to get a fresh start, and some NBA minutes, with the 11-41 Timberwolves.
