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The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday they have acquired swingman Peja Stojakovic from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward Ron Artest.

Stojakovic, a 6-10, three-time NBA All-Star, was averaging 16.5 points per game in 31 games for the Kings this season. He has a career average of 18.5 points per game, including career shooting percentages of .465 from the floor and .398 from 3-point range.

“Obviously, we’re very happy about getting a player of his caliber,” said Larry Bird, President of Basketball Operations. “He’s one of the best shooters in the league and we definitely feel he can come in and help us right away. We think he’ll fit in with our team because he’ll help spread the floor and give our big men better opportunities to score.”

Artest, who came to the Pacers in a trade in 2002, played 16 games for the Pacers this season before suffering a wrist injury and then being placed on the inactive list. He averaged 19.4 points per game.

“We wish Ron the best at Sacramento,” said Pacers CEO/President Donnie Walsh. “There’s no doubt in our mind he’ll have an immediate impact on their team. We’ll miss him very much. We know this has been a long process for our fans, but we have a player we think our fans will enjoy watching.”

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