Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 4:30pm

GRIZZ GRAB SPEIGHTS FROM SIXERS

In a 3-team trade, the Memphis Grizzlies acquired center-power forward Marreese Speights from the Philadelphia 76ers. The New Orleans Hornets acquired swingman Xavier Henry from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Philadelphia 76ers acquired a 2012 2nd-round draft pick from the Grizzlies, plus a 2013 2nd-round draft pick from the Hornets.

What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
Before this deal Memphis had a huge hole to fill at power forward, where starter and star {P Zach Randolph} is expected to miss up to the next couple of months after tearing an MCL. His usual backup is talented big-man {P Darrell Arthur}, but with Arthur already gone the entire season to an Achilles injury, the Grizz turn here to Speights. Look for the talented (if inconsistent) Speights to get a long look soon as the new starter, as he has near-stellar talent and has shown a lot of ability in limited opportunities with Philly.

What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
The Hornets are rebuilding after trading {P Chris Paul}, and Henry is a nice addition for that project. Ankle problems have kept him from doing much so far in his short NBA career, but Henry was the No. 12 overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, so the talent is there. When he gets fully healthy expect Henry to eventually push for a sixth man role backing up shooting guard and small forward.

What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
Second-round picks don't usually turn into NBA stars but the Sixers clearly got tired of waiting for Speights to develop consistency. The recent rise to prominence of center {P Spencer Hawes} and the continued development of young big-men {P Thaddeus Young}, {P Nikola Vucevic}, and {P Craig Brackins} made Speights expendable; so at least Philly gets some picks here and saves some money.

Fantasy impact