The Minnesota Timberwolves opted to deal away their 2012 1st round draft pick on Monday in a bit of a surprise move, as the organization came to the conclusion that 24-year-old Houston forward Chase Budinger was more valuable than any hit-or-miss rookie with the No. 18 overall pick could be.

A 6-foot-7 small forward with a guard's skill-set, Budinger would appear to be the perfect type of perimeter-oriented player for head coach Rick Adelman, and clearly drew the praise of David Kahn, the Timberwolves' President of Basketball Operations.

"We're excited to add a player like Chase who is a proven shot-maker and also has an excellent all-around game," Kahn said. "Chase knows Rick Adelman's system well after playing for him in Houston, and he will be a good fit on our team."

In addition to landing a key component like Budinger, the T-Wolves also acquired the draft rights to 6-foot-9 forward Lior Eliyahuin. Instead of dealing with the uncertainty that often comes with picking in the latter part of the 1st round, Minnesota did a masterful job of both addressing its needs and adding an impact player with this deal.

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