Timberwolves get 1st-round pick, 2 players

MINNEAPOLIS, July 9 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday announced the acquisition of a first-round draft pick and two reserve players from the Philadelphia 76ers.

The players are guard Rodney Carney and center Calvin Booth.

The Timberwolves gave Philadelphia a future second-round draft pick. Various reports suggested that the Sixers made the deal to clear salary cap space in order to obtain NBA star Elton Brand from the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Sixers announced later in the day that they had signed Brand.

Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale said the trade with Philadelphia fits into his team's plans.

"This trade continues our plan of building around our young core of developing players while acquiring future assets. Carney is a player who is still developing, but has tremendous athletic ability. Booth provides another veteran presence to the team and our locker room."

The 6-5 Carney was drafted 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2006 and was immediately traded to Philadelphia. He averaged 6.6 points a game as a rookie and 5.8 points in his second season.

Booth, a 6-11 center, has played in 358 NBA games, averaging 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.