Thu, Feb 24, 2005 at 2:30pm

VAN HORN NOW A MAV

The Dallas Mavericks acquired forward Keith Van Horn from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for forward-center Calvin Booth, forward-center Alan Henderson and cash considerations.

What does it give the Dallas Mavericks
A player whose talents are probably best exploited in their system. Dallas is one of the few teams on which Van Horn might thrive, since like the forward they don't play much defense and they love to shoot, shoot, shoot. Van Horn may or may not start in Big D, depending on whether center Erick Dampier heals up quickly from a broken foot. Whatever the case he'll likely play more than he did in Milwaukee.

What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
One solid back-up center, another whose contract is about to run out, and a chance to sign a big-name free agent in the summer. This deal was all about freeing up money for the Bucks, and in getting rid of the $16 Million due to Van Horn next season--and not taking on much salary from Booth for the next two years, while Henderson's deal vanishes after this year--Milwaukee should have roughly $13 Million to spend come summer (including the amount they saved by moving Mike James earlier in the day).

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Dallas Mavericks

Keith Van Horn F

Milwaukee Bucks

Calvin Booth F/C

cash considerations

Alan Henderson F/C