Thursday, June 28, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — David Morway has resigned as general manager of the Indiana Pacers amid reports that Larry Bird is on the way out, too.

Morway was hired by the Pacers in 1999 and had been GM since 2008. The Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday that Bird is expected to leave the Pacers, citing an unidentified person with direct knowledge of the situation. The Pacers and owner Herb Simon declined comment.

The 55-year-old Bird was Pacers coach from 1997-2000, returning to the front office in 2003.

Bird took over from Donnie Walsh in 2008 as president of basketball operations and was this season's NBA's Executive of the Year after building a tough, young team that lost to eventual champion Miami.

"I think change is great. I really do. New ideas, new creativity, new vision and new energy — I think all of that is important for a franchise," Morway said. "However Mr. Simon decides to do this, I think is going to be good for the franchise. I'm sure he'll make a good decision because he's a terrific owner."

T-Wolves trade 18th pick

MINNEAPOLIS — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to trade the 18th overall pick in the NBA draft to Houston for Chase Budinger.

Budinger averaged 9.6 points and 3.7 rebounds and shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range in his third year with the Rockets last season.

Houston now owns the 14th, 16th and 18th picks in the draft, plenty of ammunition to make a bigger move on Thursday during the NBA Draft.

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