The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to introduce Chase Budinger at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.
The Wolves traded the No. 18 pick in Thursday night's NBA draft to the Houston Rockets for Budinger, a guard/forward entering his fourth NBA season. Two of those seasons were played under former Rockets and current Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman.
"Chase was an integral part of our team in Houston my last two years as coach there," Adelman said. "He will help our perimeter game with his athleticism and shooting ability. Chase's game has improved in each of his first three seasons in the NBA and we look forward to that continuing here in Minnesota."
Budinger averaged 9.6 points per game in his third season in Houston. He finished the 2011-12 season strong, averaging 12.6 points per game in the month of April.
The Wolves weren't secretive in their intention to move the No. 18 pick for an experienced player, and general manager David Kahn said Budinger should fit right in.
"We're excited to add a player like Chase who is a proven shot-maker and also has an excellent all-around game," Kahn said. "Chase knows Rick Adelman's system well after playing for him in Houston, and he will be a good fit on our team."
The Wolves picked up the 18th selection from Utah after the Jazz made the playoffs and will not make a selection in the first round. The Wolves' pick 10th overall went to the Clippers who sent it to New Orleans.
