The Milwaukee Bucks began their post draft and possibly prepare for the sale of the team house cleaning today by acquiring forward Joe Smith and guard Anthony Peeler from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for guard Sam Cassell and center Ervin Johnson, General Manager Ernie Grunfeld announced today.
Smith, 27, the 1st overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, has averaged 13.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots over 557 games during his eight-year career. The 6'10", 235 lb. forward has played with four teams prior to the Bucks, including Golden State (1995-97), Philadelphia (1997-98), Detroit (2000-01) and most recently Minnesota (1998-2000; 2001-03), where he ranks as the fifth leading rebounder in franchise history (1,561).
"Joe Smith gives us a talented, athletic and experienced big man," Grunfeld said. "He gives us versatility up front by being able to play all the front-court positions." Originally drafted 15th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1992, Peeler, 33, ranked 8th in the NBA in three-point percentage last season, connecting at a 41.0 percent clip. Peeler ranks as the all-time leader in Timberwolves history in three-point field goals made (465) and attempted (1,226), and third in three-point percentage (.379). The 6'4", 208 lb. guard has averaged 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 712 games over his 11-year NBA career.
"Unfortunately, in our business, in order to get talented players, you have to trade talented players," Grunfeld said. "Sam and Ervin have been valuable contributors to our team. We appreciate everything they've given to the Bucks organization and wish them the best."
Cassell, 34, is among the leading scorers (14th; 5,939) and assist men (5th; 2,269) in Bucks history, and his career scoring average of 19.0 ppg is seventh in team annals. Last season, he matched his best scoring average of his career (19.7 ppg) and had his best rebounding season (4.4 rpg).
Johnson, 35, finished his sixth season with Milwaukee and 10th overall in the NBA. He ranks third on the Bucks All-Time list in blocked shots (584), 8th in field goal percentage (.513) and 10th in rebounds (3,026).
