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The Atlanta Hawks today acquired guard Tyronn Lue from the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Jon Barry, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight.

“Tyronn is a hard-nosed defender who can push the ball up the court,” Knight said. “(Hawks assistant coach) Larry Drew coached him with the Lakers and in Washington so he’s familiar with his abilities. He has a good attitude, and loves to play, so we’re looking forward to having him.”

“At the same time, this was done because of the development of our young players – Josh Childress, Josh Smith and Royal Ivey,” Knight added. “We like the way they’re emerging and growing. We didn’t feel like there would be a lot of playing time for Jon at that shooting guard position.”

A seventh-year guard from Nebraska, Lue has appeared in 21 games (3 starting assignments) this season with the Rockets, averaging 6.0 ppg, 2.8 apg and 1.9 rpg (.393 FG%, .333 3FG%, .778 FT%).

He spent his first three NBA seasons with the Lakers, winning an NBA championship ring in 2001. He signed as a free agent with Washington on July 18, 2001. After two seasons with the Wizards, he signed as a free agent with the Orlando Magic on July 23, 2003. He was traded to Houston on June 29, 2004 in a seven-player deal.

Originally drafted by Denver in the first round (23rd overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft, his draft rights were traded to the Lakers on draft night. Tyronn (“TIE-ron”) Jamar Lue was born May 3, 1977 in Mexico, Missouri and attended Raytown (Missouri) High School.

Barry, who signed with Atlanta on September 16, 2004, played in 16 contests for the Hawks, and posted 5.2 ppg, 1.8 apg and 1.3 rpg (.403 FG%, .344 3FG%, ..769 FT%).

In his 13th NBA season, Barry has also played for Milwaukee, Golden State, LA Lakers, Sacramento, Detroit and Denver. Additionally, Barry played in 58 games for the Hawks during the 1996-97 campaign.