MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired rookie Adreian Payne from the Atlanta Hawks for a protected future first-round pick.

The Wolves announced the deal Tuesday, one day after the Hawks beat the Timberwolves in Minnesota. Payne was the 15th overall pick in the draft last summer. But he has played in only three games this season because the veteran team has surged to the top of the standings and has not been able to offer him enough playing time.

The Timberwolves have a trade exception from the Kevin Love deal, so they do not have to send a player back in return.

Wolves coach Flip Saunders says Payne fits the mold of a young, athletic player who will fit in on the rebuilding team.