MILWAUKEE, June 27 (UPI) -- The Milwaukee Bucks Friday sent veteran guard Sam Cassell and center Ervin Johnson to Minnesota for forward Joe Smith and guard Anthony Peeler.
The trade is contingent upon all four players passing physicals.
The deal came a day after the Bucks selected point guard T.J. Ford of Texas. He was the eighth overall in the NBA draft.
Gary Payton becomes an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.
"Joe Smith gives us a talented, athletic, and experienced big man," said Milwaukee General Manager Ernie Grunfeld, who is rumored to be on his way to Washington. "He gives us versatility up front by being able to play any of the frontcourt positions."
The trade also makes sense for the Timberwolves, who last year lost point guard Terrell Brandon to a leg injury that likely will end his career. They went with unproven Troy Hudson and aging Rod Strickland at the point last season.
