BRYANT BROUGHT IN BY DENVER IN FOUR-TEAM TRADE
In a four-team trade, the Denver Nuggets acquired center Thomas Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers; Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic, forward/guard Davon Reed from the Nuggets, and a future second-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Clippers; Orlando acquired guard Patrick Beverley and cash from the Lakers, and a second-round draft pick in 2024 from the Nuggets; and Los Angeles Clippers acquired guard Bones Hyland from the Nuggets.
What does it give the Denver Nuggets
In Bryant, the Nuggets get an upgrade at backup center behind Nikola Jokic. Bryant is a serviceable player who can get hot from time to time, so he should be a valuable piece down the stretch. Denver gave up three future second-rounders to land Bryant.
What does it give the Los Angeles Lakers
Bamba is a talented center who has never really put things together in the NBA. However, he is still young enough to emerge. He is a great addition to the Lakers and is an option to back up Anthony Davis at the five. Reed adds more wing depth to the Lakers lineup.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
The Magic are expected to buy Beverley out, so Orlando essentially gave up on Bamba for a second-round draft pick and some cash. That seems to be a light return but Bamba's stock has fallen in recent times.
What does it give the Los Angeles Clippers
Look for Hyland to take over backup point guard minutes for the Clippers, who have been dissatisfied with both Reggie Jackson and John Wall this season. Hyland is mainly an offensive player, so he could be good off the LA bench.
Fantasy impact
Bryant's fantasy value was low playing behind Anthony Davis in LA, and it will be even lower behind Jokic in Denver. Avoid him. Reed can be safely left alone as well. Bamba could be an interesting stash in keeper formats, and he might become an option in all leagues next season. Beverley and Hyland do not have much in the way of fantasy value at present time.
