Pacers Trade Damjan Rudez to Minnesota for Chase Budinger

Dec 20, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Damjan Rudez (9) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Rudez Thanks the Fans

Yes, Indiana traded a fan favorite. Damjan Rudez to the Minnesota Timberwolves for 6-year veteran Chase Budinger was a surpring move to say the least. Many Pacers fans, including myself, were mystified by the move as Rudez had been successful in his first NBA season coming off the bench as a perimeter shooter and had won over his teammates and media alike. Rudez took to twitter to thank the city and the fans for their support last season.

"Thank you Indy! It has been an absolute pleasure✌"

The NBA, like every professional sports league is a business and tough decisions are made everyday. Rudez understands this and discussed the trade with Candace Bucker of the Indianapolis Star: “This is something that comes with the job, even though it was unexpected I was fully aware that it’s a business move.”

Buckner gave her thoughts on Rudez’s  rookie season for the Pacers after playing overseas in Europe for many years:

"Rudež, who ascended as a free agent rookie to become a rotational player for the Pacers, appeared in 68 games and averaged 4.8 points. His 40.6 shooting percentage from the 3-point arc ranked as tops on the team. Though Rudež could’ve been considered as a reliable shooter as the Pacers look to score more points and push the tempo next season – especially in light of the poor play from third-year small forward Solomon Hill at summer league – he now makes the move to Minneapolis while learning a valuable lesson in the NBA."

Rudez told Buckner this was the first time being traded in his playing career but he understood the business decision Bird made:

"“There are no trades in Europe. Teams don’t really trade players like that. I mean, sure it happens but not in the way it happens in the NBA, out of the blue,” Rudež said on Saturday night. “I was ready for it. I was aware it could happen to anyone. It comes with the business. It’s not personal and I’m not taking it personal. I’m fully aware that Larry and the whole organization are pulling moves to make the best team possible, in their eyes.”"