Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 1:09pm

MIROTIC MOVES TO MILWAUKEE IN 3-TEAM SWAP

In a three-team trade, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired center/forward Nikola Mirotic from the New Orleans Pelicans; the Detroit Pistons acquired center/forward Thon Maker from Milwaukee, and the Pelicans acquired forward Stanley Johnson from Detroit plus a second-round draft pick in 2019, two second-round draft picks in 2020, a second-round draft pick in 2021 and center/forward Jason Smith from Milwaukee.

What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee entered the NBA trade deadline this season as the best team in the league in terms of overall record (40-13). Therefore, it is no surprise that the Bucks are active here. Mirotic is a big man with a sweet shooting stroke who can come off the bench and stretch defenses. His arrival, to add to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, D.J. Wilson and Ersan Ilyasova in terms of bigs, gives Milwaukee ridiculous depth.

What does it give the Detroit Pistons
Maker, who turns 22 later this month, was the 10th overall pick in 2016. The 7'1" shot-blocking specialist is athletic and talented. However, he has not played much so far in his NBA career. That could change with the Pistons, although they already boast two star big men in Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. Maker should push veteran Zaza Pachulia for the backup center role in Detroit. Keep an eye on Maker.

What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
The keys to the deal from a New Orleans perspective are the four second rounders that will be heading to the Pelicans down the road. However, Johnson may also become an important piece here. Coming over from Detroit via Milwaukee, Johnson may be a perfect fit as a small forward in the Bayou. He should get an opportunity to start and log important minutes. Smith was added to the deal for cap purposes.

Fantasy impact
Mirotic will definitely come off the bench in Milwaukee, and there is a good chance he will see fewer minutes of playing time with his new team. So, take a wait-and-see approach with Mirotic before making any commitments or decisions. As for Johnson, he is worth picking up right now as a potential starting small forward in New Orleans. Maker needs to earn into the rotation with Detroit before he becomes viable from a fantasy perspective. That said, he has the upside to do just that, so there is hope here. Smith has no value.