Thu, Jun 24, 2004 at 10:10pm

BLAZERS SEND GILL TO NETS

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired the rights to Viktor Khryapa from the New Jersey Nets for guard Eddie Gill and cash considerations.

What does it give the Portland Trail Blazers
A promising young forward who might become a star. This looks like a steal for the Blazers, who didn't need Gill at all and lately have looked like one of the least savvy teams in the league. Khryapa is both talented and athletic: A smart fundamental player in the mold of Andrei Kirilenko, who will make a splash in a few years.

What does it give the New Jersey Nets
A backup point guard and some spending money. This is definitely a head-scratcher for New Jersey: Either A) they need the money badly, or B) know something about the unheralded Gill no one else does, or C) have been drinking too much swamp water. Khryapa is the kind of youngster a team can build around, and the Nets definitely look ready to start rebuilding with the recent exit of Kenyon Martin to Denver.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Portland Trail Blazers

Viktor Khryapa F

rights - Viktor Khryapa

New Jersey Nets

Eddie Gill G

cash considerations