T-WOLVES SAVE SALARY, SWAP BUDINGER FOR RUDEZ
The Indiana Pacers acquired swingman Chase Budinger from the Minnesota Timberwolves for combo forward Damjan Rudez.
What does it give the Indiana Pacers
In Budinger the Pacers get a starter-level talent on the wing--if he can stay healthy. When physically sound and on his game, Budinger can be an efficient and excellent playmaker and scorer, so he can help the Pacers get back to the playoffs. Indy takes on some significant short-term salary here, but they get a talent upgrade in Budinger. Plus, if he doesn't pan out as they hope the Pacers can let him leave via free agency next summer.
What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
This move helps the T-Wolves save significant salary this season. Meanwhile in Rudez they get a solid situational outside shooter who should provide as much offensively as they might have expected from Budinger (since Budinger was no longer a key rotation guy for them).
Fantasy impact
If the Pacers go through with their plans to move Paul George to power forward, Budinger could find himself starting at small forward for them at some point in the coming season. He should be better with the Pacers than he was with the T-Wolves, although before picking him up in fantasy leagues do make sure to wait for him to establish himself and show he can stay healthy. Budinger's arrival in Indy hurts the fantasy value of Solomon Hill and possibly C.J. Miles, but there's little effect for the T-Wolves (since Budinger wasn't a key part of their rotation last season, and Rudez doesn't project as much more than a situational shooter, at least for now).
