Wed, Jul 25, 2012 at 10:58pm

W. JOHNSON, R. LOPEZ, WARRICK IN 3-TEAMER

The Phoenix Suns acquired guard/forward Wesley Johnson and a future first-round draft pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and guard Jerome Dyson and center Brad Miller from the New Orleans Hornets; New Orleans acquired center Robin Lopez, forward Hakim Warrick and cash from the Suns; Minnesota acquired a second-round draft pick in 2013 and a second-round draft pick in 2016 from the Hornets, and a second-round draft pick in 2014 from the Suns.

What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Johnson didn't pan out for two seasons in Minny but he's coming off an impressive Summer League stint and was the fourth overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. He doesn't seem likely to start anytime soon (since {P Jared Dudley} is at shooting guard and {P Michael Beasley} is at small forward) but with pressure off him Johnson might be a very good depth guy in 2012-13. Lopez and Warrick aren't quite as talented and projected as reserves, so this deal is great for Phoenix (especially since they get a first-rounder as well). Miller is expected to retire (so isn't going to help the Suns), while Dyson is an underrated talent who may help with depth (if the Suns decide to keep him).

What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
Lopez may start several games for the Hornets in the upcoming season, since projected pivot {P Ryan Anderson} is more of a forward and uber-rookie {P Anthony Davis} is widely expected to play more at power forward. Meanwhile Warrick can be a very good scorer in limited action off the bench, so if the Hornets decide to keep him around he can help their young club. The cash helps pay for their salaries.

What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
After Johnson proved to be somewhat of bust for the T-Wolves, he gets shipped out here as the team tries to clear salary and cap space. That space goes to {P Andrei Kirilenko}, who will return to the NBA and join Minnesota. With Kirilenko at small forward and recently-acquired {P Chase Budinger} at shooting guard (replacing Johnson), {P Derrick Williams} seems destined for a sixth man role in '12-13. The three second-round picks are a nice bonus but this was about freeing up cap space and playing time for Kirilenko.

Fantasy impact