CELTS ROLL THE DICE ON WIZ'S CRAWFORD
The Boston Celtics acquired combo guard Jordan Crawford from the Washington Wizards for combo guard Leandro Barbosa and center Jason Collins.
What does it give the Boston Celtics
The Celts seem intent on still contending with their fast-aging nucleus (despite recent major injuries), and adding Crawford not only helps with that but gives them a talented building block for the future. He is a gifted scorer and playmaker who, although sometimes playing out of control, has star-level talent. He should be a key backup for Boston at both guard spots and may be a future starter if he can show enough defensive game. Boston adds a little more salary here (since he's under contract until the summer of 2014) but this is a solid, affordable risk.
What does it give the Washington Wizards
Washington is a young and still-rebuilding team that has made a point in recent years of moving talented players who presented chemistry issues (including {P JaVale McGee}, {P Nick Young}, {P Andray Blatche}, etc.). Crawford found himself in the team's doghouse this year, and with {P Bradley Beal} emerging as a likely star at shooting guard alongside point-man {P John Wall}, Crawford became expendable. The injured Barbosa will see his contract comes off the books this summer, as will Collins.
Fantasy impact
Crawford improves in fantasy value here, since he should at least get back to playing fairly regularly and should push the inconsistent {P Courtney Lee} for minutes backing up both guard spots for the celtics. Crawford's arrival may also let Lee play more small forward (since the team recently signed {P Terrence Williams} and {P Jason Terry} is still around). For the Wizards, this ensures big minutes for Beal down the stretch, and may give a little boost to {P Garrett Temple}. Collins' departure should mean more playing time for veteran big man {P Chris Wilcox}, but he isn't likely to be a fantasy factor for Washington.
