Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 4:30pm

WIZ, GRIZZ AND HORNETS DO THREE-WAY

In a three-way trade: Washington Wizards traded Antonio Daniels to the New Orleans Hornets for Mike James and traded a conditional first-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Javaris Crittenton. Memphis Grizzlies traded a conditional second-round pick to the New Orleans Hornets.

What does it give the Washington Wizards
The Wizards are off to an awful start this season, in part due to a lack of clarity on offense. With usual starting point guard Gilbert Arenas out all season so far (and not due back until sometime in January), the Wiz have struggled with a point guard committe of the underachieving Daniels, journeyman Juan Dixon, and others (including Dee Brown, waived as part of this transaction). While James and Crittenton are far from pass-first types, both are talented combo guards and the Wizards are used to that with Arenas. James should step in right away and provide some direction for the 4-15 club, much like he did in 2005-06 with the Toronto Raptors (when he averaged 20.3 points and 5.8 assists per game).

What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
The Hornets have been missing a steady backup hand at the point behind superstar Chris Paul since losing Jannero Pargo over the off-season, and Daniels (when healthy) should provide that. He`s a pass-first type (unlike the departing James) and can help get the most out of the Hornets` myriad scoring options. Like Pargo did, Daniels can also give New Orleans the option of having Paul shift to the 2-guard spot on occasion, bringing matchup problems for opponents. The fact he is a clubhouse leader is a bonus for a team trying to take the next step.

What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies already have two talented youngsters at the point in Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley (who is struggling in his second season), and Crittenton wasn`t catching on with them as hoped. Getting a future first-round draft pick makes up for his loss (since it will bring a similarly talented youngster) and the cost-conscious Grizz save money by getting Crittenton`s salary off the books.

Fantasy impact