CELTS, GRIZZ SWAP UNDERACHIVERS MELO, GREENE
The Boston Celtics acquired swingman Donte Greene from the Memphis Grizzlies for center Fab Melo and cash considerations.
What does it give the Boston Celtics
The Celts have a glut of big man prospects and Melo didn't quite develop the way Boston probably hoped for after selecting him in the first round of last year's draft (No. 22 overall). They still have {P Jared Sullinger}, {P Kelly Olynyk}, and {P Vitor Faverani} to play center for them, so adding a still-promising scorer in Greene is a solid move (espeically since his contract is non-guaranteed, giving them the option of dropping salary by moving Melo's rookie deal). Greene too has been underwhelming in his career so far but he has a rare mix of length and skill and may finally get an extended chance to succeed now that he's with a rebuilding Boston squad. If not, they can cut him and save some cash.
What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
Few teams covet size as much as the Grizzlies do so it's not surprising they're taking a chance here on Melo. He's still very young and showed some solid progress defensively in the D-League as a rookie last season, so maybe he can emerge as a rotation guy for them behind starter {P Marc Gasol} and top backup {P Kosta Koufos}. Greene was in a tough spot having to compete for minutes in Memphis' crowded swingman rotation, so moving him is a logical step roster-wise.
Fantasy impact
Melo is probably still a bit too raw to make much of a splash anytime soon, but he should push {P Willie Reed} for the Grizzlies' No. 3 center role. In Boston, Greene has a little more opportunity to succeed than he did in Memphis but does still face an uphill climb for minutes since {P Jeff Green}, {P Gerald Wallace}, {P Avery Bradley}, and {P Courtney Lee} are clearly ahead of him in the pecking order. That said, Greene could push {P MarShon Brooks} and {P Jordan Crawford} for mintues off the end of the Boston bench during the coming campaign.
