Mon, Feb 13, 2017 at 2:47pm

CAVS SEND CASH, BIRDMAN'S CONTRACT TO HORNETS

The Charlotte Hornets acquired center Chris Andersen and cash from the Cleveland Cavaliers for a protected 2nd-round draft pick in 2017.

What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has already waived Andersen, so this move is obviously about the cash the organization gets in the deal. The Hornets aren't near the NBA's luxury tax line, so they can use their cap space to help cap-strapped teams like the Cavaliers to unload contracts.

What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
For Cleveland this deal is clearly about salary cap space and roster flexibility. With Birdman out the rest of this season because of a torn ACL, the Cavs can't use him (and need to be able to add someone for the playoff push, while limiting their already significant debt to the NBA's luxury tax). Moving Andersen's contract here helps with those objectives, and the pick is a solid bonus.

Fantasy impact
Andersen wasn't playing lately for the Cavaliers and is out the rest of this season, so there's no fantasy fallout from this deal.