TheSpread.com

Hawks acquire Anthony Johnson from Dallas

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks have acquired guard Anthony Johnson from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

This will be Johnson's third stint with the Hawks. He played for Atlanta from 1998-2000 and again during the 2000-01 campaign, and has averaged 3.6 points with 1.8 assists in 112 games for the franchise.

"We're happy to be able to bring Anthony Johnson back to Atlanta," said Hawks general manager Billy Knight in a release. "He provides us with another veteran presence, and brings a great deal of regular season and postseason experience to our club."

The Hawks entered Thursday's action 5 1/2 games out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Johnson played 40 games for the Western Conference-leading Mavericks this season and averaged 3.8 points with 2.0 assists in just over 14 minutes. He was acquired from Indiana in a June 24, 2006 trade.

"We would like to thank Anthony for his contributions this season," Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson said in a release. "This move gives us flexibility and a valuable pick in a very deep draft."

Last season with the Pacers, Johnson posted a career-best 9.2 points in 75 games. He also started all six playoff games against New Jersey and averaged 20.0 points.

The 32-year-old College of Charleston product has averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 assists in 586 regular-season games with Sacramento, Orlando, Cleveland, New Jersey, Indiana, Atlanta and Dallas.

www.seattlepi.com