The Atlanta Hawks have acquired a 2007 first-round draft pick from the Indiana Pacers, as part of a sign-and-trade transaction that sends Al Harrington, along with John Edwards, to Indiana, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight.

?We?re very pleased to have Al back in Indiana,? said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird, who coached Harrington his first two seasons with the Pacers. ?We think he brings an added dimension to our team. We know what he can do and he?ll make us a deeper team and a better team. He?s also a very good guy. It?s a pleasure to have his personality back as well.?

?Al was a very good player for us for six years,? said Pacers CEO and President Donnie Walsh. ?Going to Atlanta has expanded his game and he became one of the most prized free agents on the market. What makes this special is now Al fits perfectly into the team and style of play we?re trying to achieve. It?s a perfect time for him to come back. It?s also special because Al comes back to a place where he was one of our most popular players and a solid asset in the community. I think it?s a win-win situation for the team and Al.?

?We feel this move brings us valuable assets, including additional salary cap flexibility as we move forward,? Knight said.  ?When Al came to us, he brought a winning attitude to our franchise and he always put the team first.  We are certainly in a better position now having had Al as a member of the Hawks.

?I appreciate the hard work and leadership that Al brought to our team, both on and off the court,? Knight continued, ?as well as for John?s contributions for us last season. We wish them both well.?