KNICKS ALSO LAND MAURICE TAYLOR
The New York Knicks acquired forward Maurice Taylor and a future first-round draft pick from the Houston Rockets in exchange for forward Vin Baker and guard Moochie Norris.
What does it give the New York Knicks
A first-round draft pick and yet another power forward. Whether Taylor
will play much for the Knicks isn't really relevant--this deal seems to
be about getting the first-round draft pick and cleaning house a little.
Baker and Norris were barely playing and the same will probably be true
for Taylor. In essence, New York took on $10 Million more than they gave
up in long-term salary obligations here, but in return get the draft
pick.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
Some breathing room in the salary cap department. As mentioned, Taylor
wasn't playing and the team has taken on salary recently with their
other trades. They save $10 Million in long-term payouts, but the loss
is the draft pick. It's also a homecoming of sorts, as Baker reunites
with Dikembe Mutombo in Houston (as the two played together in Gotham
last year), and Norris returns to the team he played for for over four
seasons. Neither is expected to have a big role with Houston.
Fantasy impact
