Published: June 24, 2009
As ESPN’s Ric Bucher first reported yesterday afternoon, the Washington Wizards acquired guard/forward Mike Miller and guard Randy Foye from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, Oleksiy Pecherov and the fifth overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft according to the Washington Wizards PR staff.
“We are very excited to welcome two solid, proven veterans in Mike Miller and Randy Foye to Washington,” said Grunfeld. “Mike is one of the NBA’s elite three-point shooters who can really stretch the defense and provide an all-around game, and Randy has shown the ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates while providing excellent perimeter defense. Their skills complement our core very well and they will provide a boost as we re-establish ourselves as a contender in the Eastern Conference.”
Miller, a former Rookie of the Year in 2001, and Sixth Man of the Year in 2006, has averages of 13.9 points and 5.0 rebounds with a 40% shooting percentage from three-point line over his nine year career. He spent his first three and a half seasons with the Orlando Magic, the next five and a half with Memphis Grizzlies, and last year he played with the Timberwolves. His best season came with Grizzlies in 2006-07, when he averaged 18.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds.
Foye has spent all three of his NBA season with the Timberwolves, since being drafted seventh overall in the 2006 NBA draft. He has career averages of 13 points and 3.7 assists a game, but his numbers have increased steadily since his rookie year. Last season, he averaged 16 points and 4.3 assists.
This trade with the Wizards enabled Minnesota to now have the fifth, sixth, 18th and 28th selections in tomorrow’s NBA draft, although they are said to be in discussions to make yet another move.
For the Washington Wizards, this trade means they had to part with one of their longest tenured players in Thomas, one of their best all around big men in Songalia, and their most popular bench player in Pecherov. Thomas and Songalia in particular played large roles at various points last season, when center Brendan Haywood was out with a wrist injury.
“We appreciate the contributions that Etan, Darius and Oleksiy made to the team and the community during their tenures in Washington,” said Grunfeld. “We wish them the best and we’re pleased to have been able to accomplish a trade that benefited all parties involved.”
Given the number of rumors still swirling involving the 2009 NBA draft, its safe to say that more updates on the Wizards, Timberwolves and countless others are still to come. As they unravel, please stay glued to Hoops Addict for updates.
