Wed, Aug 4, 2004 at 12:00am

SIXERS TRADE COLEMAN, McCASKILL

The Philadelphia 76ers acquired forward Corliss Williamson and cash consideration from the Detroit Pistons for forward Derrick Coleman and center Amal McCaskill.

What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
Some room for their youngsters to grow. Adding Williamson wasn't a masterstroke, but this deal was more important in its removal of Coleman and McCaskill. Both played center for the Sixers, and that spot now belongs to the athletic and potentially dominant Samuel Dalembert. Big Sam earned a starting spot last year, and plays a bit like a taller, more raw Ben Wallace. The deal also makes Philly younger, and gives them some back-up at both the 'three' and 'four' forward spots. A nice deal for the Sixers, who should be much improved in '04-05.

What does it give the Detroit Pistons
Some insurance in the post at a risky price. Coleman has been widely criticized as a clubhouse cancer since he entered the league, and hasn't been consistently healthy in years. If one coach can keep Coleman's attitude in check and get the most out of him it's Brown--who did both in his stint with the Sixers. Still, at 37 Coleman will likely be just a role player in Motown, taking the role left by Mehmet Okur or even that of Zeljko Rebraca. McCaskill seems to be a throw-in of sorts, and likely won't have much of a role in Detroit. The Pistons are all about team chemistry, so this is a bit of a head-scratcher.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Philadelphia 76ers

Corliss Williamson F

cash considerations