Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 12:00am

VETERAN GUARD BROWN TO BULLS FOR GRAY

The Chicago Bulls acquired guard Devin Brown from the New Orleans Hornets for center Aaron Gray.

What does it give the Chicago Bulls
Picking up Brown here is a solid move by the Bulls, who are still hanging around in the early East playoff picture. He's a quality veteran (with a very affordable and expiring contract) who can play anywhere from small forward to the point guard spot, and gives Chicago some depth behind Kirk Hinrich and John Salmons in case of injuries, trades, or slumps.

What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans whittles away a little more of their luxury tax bill here by moving Brown (although not a lot), and opens up the team's starting 2-guard spot for promising rookie Marcus Thornton. Meanwhile, the Hornets lost some depth up front with their recent trade of Hilton Armstrong, so the solid (if not spectacular) Gray should help out in the post. The Hornets have the option of letting him go after his contract expires at the end of the season.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Chicago Bulls

Devin Brown G/F

New Orleans Pelicans

Aaron Gray C