BUCKS PAY BIG FOR MAGLOIRE
The Milwaukee Bucks acquired center Jamaal Magloire from the New Orleans Hornets for forward Desmond Mason, a 2006 first-round draft pick and cash.
What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
An all-star center to beef up their front line and take pressure off rookie Andrew Bogut. The Bucks are trying to make the playoffs this season and while Bogut will be solid as a rookie, he may not quite be ready to carry the load in the paint. Enter Magloire, who will keep other teams honest and allow Milwaukee the luxury of picking its spots with Bogut (who now probably comes off the bench). Magloire completes a very good Bucks starting five from top to bottom, and they could afford to let Mason go with newcomer Bobby Simmons ready to step in at small forward. Adding Simmons and Magloire to the starting unit also upgrades the team's defense significantly. The pick was a hefty cost, but if Milwuakee makes the playoffs they'll think it's worth it.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
A veteran scorer who brings excitement to the beleaguered team, some needed cash, and a possible future starter from the draft pick. This year is all about rebuilding for the Hornets and this move follows that plan to a tee. While Mason makes a little less salary than Magloire, this deal was done more for the draft pick than for the monetary value. New Orleans still has several promising centers on their roster who need more playing time, so moving Magloire will give them that and bolster the team's future. Mason will keep the team respectable and exciting with his high-flying dunks, but will likely be gone when his contract expires after next season.
Fantasy impact
