SPURS DEAL VET DIAW TO JAZZ FOR HANLAN
The Utah Jazz acquired forward / center / guard Boris Diaw, a 2nd-round draft pick in 2022, and cash from the San Antonio Spurs for the rights to point guard Olivier Hanlan.
What does it give the Utah Jazz
This is a very solid add by the Jazz. While Diaw is probably in the twilight of his impressive NBA career, he can fill a big need for veteran leadership. Utah has a strong youthful nucleus, but to take the next step up in the uber-competitive Western Conference some added guidance--in the locker room, in practice, and in games--is required. Diaw is a winner who has been around the block in the NBA, and he can especially help mentor fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert. He's also able to back up almost any position on the floor.
What does it give the San Antonio Spurs
Canadian point guard Hanlan has the raw talent to possibly be an NBA starter sometime in the future, so this is a solid return. More pressingly, this deal helps the Spurs drop salary (roughly $7 million this season) so they can sign free agent Pau Gasol. They will miss Diaw--he was a part of a great veteran team for several years--but with Tim Duncan retiring, Gasol is a must for San Antonio to stay competitive.
Fantasy impact
Neither Diaw nor Hanlan should likely be drafted in most fantasy leagues this season (Diaw is too old and Hanlan is too inexperienced) but Diaw's presence probably hurts the '16-17 fantasy chances of backup Jazz big men Trey Lyles and Jeff Withey.
