5-TEAM MEGA DEAL (PART 1)
In a five-team, 13-player trade, Memphis Grizzlies traded Greg Ostertag to the Utah Jazz; the Utah Jazz traded Curtis Borchardt to the Boston Celtics; the Utah Jazz traded Raul Lopez to the Memphis Grizzlies; and the Utah Jazz traded Kirk Snyder to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.
What does it give the Utah Jazz
The return of a nine-year Jazz veteran who can block shots. But more than that, Ostertag seems to be a way for the Jazz to meet salary cap requirements with his $4.4 Million contract. The more pressing concern for the Jazz was finding a way to move Snyder, Lopez, and Borchardt--all of whom were players Utah seemed to give up on.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
In Butler and Snyder, two swingmen who know how to score. Of the two Snyder has much more upside, but his downside is also bigger considering his constant brushes with trouble last season. His tendency to taunt opponents resulted in a major fight and another suspension, so the Hornets will need to rein him in to see results.
What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
A major gamble on a point guard who may or may not play for them. Raul Lopez is a talented playmaker, but his NBA career has been marked more by knee injuries than big plays. Lopez was considered by many as likely to return to play in Europe this year, but if the Grizz can get him to stick around they might have a future quarterback for their team.
What does it give the Boston Celtics
A mobile center who hasn't done much to live up to his draft position.
Borchardt was the 18th overall pick of the 2002 draft but has averaged a measly 3.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.55 blocks per game as a pro in the ensuing three seasons. He's still young enough to develop into a solid NBA center, but he needs to add bulk, moves, and a little more aggression.
Fantasy impact
