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Tim Thomas involved, Hawks-Knicks-Bucks trade

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas announced today that forward Tim Thomas has been acquired from Milwaukee and center Nazr Mohammed has been acquired from Atlanta in a three-team trade. In exchange, forward Keith Van Horn has been traded to Milwaukee and center Michael Doleac and a 2005 second-round draft pick have been traded to Atlanta. In addition, center Joel Przybilla was traded from Milwaukee to Atlanta.

InsideHoops.com reports that Keith Van Horn is signed through the 2004-05 season, with player option (that he's expected to use) through the end of 2005-06. He currently makes around $13.2 million, averaging 16.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 44.5% FG, 37.3% 3FG.

InsideHoops.com also reports that Tim Thomas is signed till the end of the 2005-06 season. He makes around $11.8 million, averaging 14.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 44% FG, 36% 3FG. Nazr Mohammed makes a bit over $5 million this season, and is signed through the 2005-06 season.

"We are happy to be adding two players who address our most immediate goal of becoming more athletic," Isiah Thomas said. "Tim Thomas is a young, versatile small forward who suits our style of play very well, and Nazr Mohammed is a strong front-court player who will help us with rebounding and interior defense. Although we had to part with two quality players and individuals, we felt this trade makes us better now and in the future."

Tim Thomas, 6-10, 230-pounds, had been averaging 14.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 42 starts for the Bucks this season. Entering 2003-04, the six-year NBA veteran has career averages of 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 437 games for two teams (Philadelphia and Milwaukee). Thomas has appeared in 32 NBA playoff games, including an appearance in the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals with Milwaukee.

Mohammed, 6-10, 250-pounds, had been averaging 6.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in all 53 games for the Hawks this season. Entering 2003-04, the five-year NBA veteran has career averages of 6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 229 games for two teams (Philadelphia and Atlanta).

Van Horn, 6-10, 245-pounds, had been averaging 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in 47 starts for the Knicks this season. Originally acquired on July 23, 2003 from Philadelphia, the six-year NBA veteran had recorded 12 point-rebound double-doubles on the season and 18 20-plus point games.

As for the Hawks getting Doleac and Pryzbilla: "Both guys bring unique qualities to our roster," Knight said. "Doleac is a big man who is a skilled perimeter player, while Przybilla is an established shot blocker. It's always difficult to trade guys. Nazr has been a good player for us, has played hard and done a good job. We wish him well and a lot of success in the future. This is what we feel we need to do to go forward."

(Commenting on the two major trades over the last six days): "The things that I'm trying to accomplish are things I think will benefit the organization moving forward. I feel both of the moves will help us rebuild the team the way we envision it."

Doleac, in his sixth NBA season, has played in 46 games in 2003-04, averaging 5.0 points and 4.1 rebounds, making .444 FG% and .861 FT%. He was originally selected out of University of Utah by Orlando in the first round (12th overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft, and spent his first three seasons with the Magic, before being traded to Cleveland for the draft rights to Brendan Haywood on June 27, 2001. He subsequently signed with the Knicks as a free agent on August 7, 2002. Over his career, he has averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds (.437 FG%, .798 FT%).

Przybilla comes to Atlanta after playing his first four NBA seasons with the Bucks, appearing in a total of 141 games, and recording 1.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest. On the year, he has appeared in five games (on the injured list with right knee tendinitis since December 26, 2003), averaging 0.2 points and 2.0 rebounds (1-2 FTs). He was originally picked by the Houston Rockets in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft, then saw his draft rights sent to the Bucks for the rights to Jason Collier and a future first-round pick on June 28, 2000. He entered the draft following his sophomore season at University of Minnesota.