Thu, Jul 8, 2010 at 9:05am

SUNS SIGN-&-TRADE FOR WARRICK

The Phoenix Suns acquired forward Hakim Warrick from the Chicago Bulls for a 2011 2nd-round draft pick and a trade exception.

What does it give the Phoenix Suns
With Amar'e Stoudemire gone (and signed by the Knicks), the Suns lost major explosiveness in their frontcourt. Warrick can replace a little of that, and while he's obviously no Stoudemire, he's a versatile slasher who's ideally suited for Phoenix's high-speed style. He may be a stop-gap until young Earl Clark is ready to step up, and Warrick should boost his overall production as a likely starter at power forward.

What does it give the Chicago Bulls
Even before signing Carlos Boozer, Warrick was projected as a backup for the Bulls, so they get a solid return here in the trade exception (which lets them cut $4 Million of payroll without adding matching salary from the Suns, which is usually required in NBA deals). The $4 Million exception was a portion of the $16.5 Million trade exception the Suns got in their Amar'e Stoudemire sign-and-trade with New York. The second-rounder is a nice bonus.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Chicago Bulls

trade exception

a second-round draft pick in 2011

Phoenix Suns

Hakim Warrick F