Wallace, James cleared to join Pistons

Wallace and James were acquired in a three-team trade Thursday, but were pulled at halftime of Friday’s 88-87 loss to Minnesota. The two were cleared by the National Basketball Association late Saturday to join the Pistons.

The Atlanta Hawks traded Wallace to Detroit in a deal that also involved the Boston Celtics. In addition to Wallace, Detroit acquired James from the Celtics. Meanwhile, Atlanta acquired forward Chris Mills from Boston and center Zeljko Rebraca and guard Bob Sura from Detroit. Also, the Hawks will obtain the rights to Milwaukee’s 2004 first-round draft choice, which Detroit previously acquired from Denver.

The Celtics got guards Chucky Atkins and Lindsey Hunter, both of whom were with the Pistons, Detroit’s 2004 first-round selection and cash considerations.

The deal was held up because of issues related to the paperwork for Hunter and Mills.

Wallace’s stay in Atlanta was brief. He played just one game for the Hawks, scoring 20 points and grabbing six rebounds in a loss to New Jersey on Wednesday after being dealt from Portland.