The Golden State Warriors on Saturday acquired rookie Donyell Marshall from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for forward Tom Gugliotta.
The 6-foot-9 Marshall was the fourth player selected in the 1994 NBA draft out of Connecticut.Marshall, who signed a 9-year, $42.6 million contract with the Timberwolves, has averaged 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 25.9 minutes in 40 games.
The Warriors got Gugliotta and three first-round draft picks in a Nov. 17 trade that sent Chris Webber, last season's NBA rookie of the year, to Washington. Gugliotta has averaged 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 33.1 minutes in 40 games with the Warriors this season.
Timberwolves general manager Jack McCloskey hopes Gugliotta's all-out scrambling style of play might rub off on the Timberwolves, who have won only 12 games this season.
"There's no question he has a tremendous work ethic. He's a hustler, an aggressive player, who has really proven himself the two years he's been in the league," McClosky said.
Saturday's trade was the Warriors' first since coach Don Nelson resigned and assistant Bob Lanier took over last Monday.
The Warriors' season so far has been tumultuous at best, starting when an unhappy Webber went to Washington. The former Michigan star's departure appeared to send the once-hopeful Warriors into a tailspin.
After a 7-1 start, the Warriors lost 30 of 37 prior to the All-Star break.
On Friday, Lanier got his first win with a 139-128 victory over the Phoenix Suns.