ALSTON TO ORLANDO
The Orlando Magic acquired guard Rafer Alston from the Houston Rockets for forward/center Brian Cook and a future first-round draft pick.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
This is part of a three-team trade that also includes Memphis, but the first part of it is the Magic picking up Alston in return for Cook and the future first-rounder. Orlando is a contending team this season, and the loss of All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson to a severe shoulder injury made this move necessary if the Magic want to keep contending. Alston is a nice fit for the team's style, as he's a speedy distributor who can hit the three. Cook seems to have been included to make the salaries match, and will likely be stuck behind several others in the Houston frontcourt.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
The Rockets are in a tough spot lately, with star scorer Tracy McGrady gone for the season to knee surgery. With that in mind they add some cap space for next season (when Cook's $3.5 Million salary comes off the books) and get a chance to see what young Aaron Brooks can do running the offense. There is not a huge drop-off in talent from Alston to Brooks, and the team saves a little money in the deal in terms of salary paid for the rest of the season (since Alston makes slightly more than Cook).
Fantasy impact
