The almighty greenback continues to be a deciding factor in the Milwaukee Bucks' player personnel moves.

In an effort to cut salaries and reduce their chances of having to pay the National Basketball Association's luxury tax, the Bucks on Thursday traded guard Sam Cassell and center Ervin Johnson to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Joe Smith and guard Anthony Peeler.

Peeler's contract is not guaranteed after this season so the Bucks will cut him and save the $3.7 million and $4.1 million that he was to be paid for the next two seasons.

Are the Bucks a better team after the trade? That can be debated, but their player payroll will be lighter in a few days after Peeler is cut.

Bucks general manager Ernie Grunfeld contended that the money saved would give the Bucks a better chance to re-sign free agent Gary Payton.