Wolves Acquire Milicic From Knicks

Chad Ford (ESPN Insider) reports the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired center Darko Milicic from the New York Knicks in exchange for power forward Brian Cardinal.

Chad said the deal is not formally complete, but said two sources confirmed and told him that the deal is agreed in principle.

The trade will save the Knicks nearly $1.8 million and allows the Timberwolves to audition Milicic at center.  Milicic, 24, has a $7.5 million salary this season.

Minnesota Sports Zone’s Take:

Milicic definitely wanted out of New York and it appears he got his wish.  The Timberwolves paid a steep price for a player that is destined to return and play in Europe after this season.  It’s certainly possible that Milicic could impress the Timberwolves into re-signing him after the season, but the odds are not on that favor.

But again, center Ryan Hollins is currently the starting center.  The Timberwolves have a glut of power forwards, and the acquisition allows Jefferson to play more at power forward, the position he prefers.  Even though Hollins is starting at center, when power forward Kevin Love enters the game for Hollins, Jeferson is again shifted back into the center position.

We’ll just have to wait and see how this trade turns out.

Update:  The Timberwolves officially announced the trade. (02/12/10)

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