ANTHONY JOHNSON TO HAWKS
The Atlanta Hawks acquired point guard Anthony Johnson from the Dallas Mavericks in return for a second-round draft pick in 2007.
What does it give the Atlanta Hawks
A very solid point guard who can start for them in their push to the playoffs. Despite being 21-33 at the trade deadline, the Hawks still actually have an outside shot at the playoffs. Even if they don't get in, Johnson will provide a needed playmaker who may be able to get the most out of this team's great young talent. Tyronn Lue is solid but injury-prone, and Speedy Claxton has been a bit of a bust so far this season in the role. Johnson carried the Pacers in last season's playoffs, and he's a clutch performer who might be able to win the starter's job going forward.
What does it give the Dallas Mavericks
A way to get rid of a player who didn't really fit in. The Mavs hoped Johnson would repeat his superb play from last season's playoffs, and he looked like he might take over the team's starting point guard spot early this season. Yet he got into head coach Avery Johnson's doghouse and never really made it out. The second-rounder is a nice consolation for an experiment that didn't really pan out, and Dallas has Devin Harris and Jose Juan Barea waiting for more playing time as it is.
Fantasy impact
