Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 12:00am

THUNDER, T-WOLVES EXCHANGE RESERVES

The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired forward Lazar Hayward from the Minnesota Timberwolves for swingman Robert Vaden and two conditional second-round draft picks.

What does it give the Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder GM Sam Presti is renowned for identifying underrated talent and then acquiring it, and he seems to have landed another solid gem here. While Hayward isn't a terribly athletic player he is highly skilled and can play several positions. Oklahoma City was using Vaden for insurance at small forward behind superstar Kevin Durant, but Hayward is a much better fit; he can defend on the low post, yet can also hit the three and pass well (while providing a lot of leadership)--a diamond in the rough.

What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
The T-Wolves have already waived Vaden, so for them this deal was clearly about clearing up a very deep frontcourt rotation, while also saving some money and adding some draft pick assets along the way.

Fantasy impact