It was tough decision to give up on a first-round draft pick after just eight months. However, the Hawks insisted after they traded Adreian Payne that there are numerous benefits to the deal.
The Hawks traded Payne, the 15th overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, to the Timberwolves for a future first-round pick Tuesday. The draft pick is protected, one through 14, between the 2017 and 2020. If the pick is not conveyed by then, it will become a second-round pick.
“We’ve gained a lot in this,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “We gained roster flexibility. We gained financial flexibility. We gained a first-round pick. We are better managing opportunities for our young bigs to emerge and be successful.”
Payne, out of Michigan State, appeared in just three games. The forward/center averaged 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 6.4 minutes. The 23-year old did four separate stints in the NBA Development League, two with Fort Wayne and two with Austin, and averaged 12.9 points and 8.5 rebounds.
The move opens up a roster spot for the Hawks, who were at the maximum of 15 players with guaranteed contracts. The Hawks have spoken to representatives of free agent Ray Allen, who is expected to make a decision soon on whether he will play this season and for which of several interested teams.
Budenholzer, who is making final roster decisions with general manager Danny Ferry on indefinite leave of absence, insisted the move was not a precursor to another transaction.
“No,” Budenholzer said “This deal and this opportunity was done based on its own merits. There is nothing imminent. There is nothing else that you should be expecting or waiting on.”
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 19.
The trade was apparently in the works for some time. Minnesota coach Flip Saunders told reporters that he has had several conversations about Payne with Michigan State coach Tom Izzo recently.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Adreian to Minnesota,” Saunders said in a statement. “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.”
Hours before the Payne trade, the Timberwolves sent Mo Williams and Troy Daniels to the Hornets for Gary Neal.
The move is a clear indication that the Hawks believe in the high upside of their young frontcourt players, including Mike Muscala and eventually second-round pick Edy Tavares. Tavares is playing in Spain and could be ready for the NBA as soon as next season.
“The reality (of the trade is) the depth of our bigs and having multiple young bigs that we feel strongly about and managing how those young bigs can have opportunities and emerge,” Budenholzer said. “In combination with what we feel like we’ve gained in roster and financial flexibility made this something that made sense for us on a lot of different levels.
“Hopefully it’s something that is good for Adreian. It’s a win-win. Adreian will get more opportunity and Adreian’s career will have more opportunity to grow and emerge. He is a very good player. He is a very good kid.”
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