KOUFOS HEADS TO GRIZZ FOR ARTHUR, LAUVERGNE
The Denver Nuggets acquired forward-center Darrell Arthur and the draft rights to power forward Joffrey Lauvergne from the Memphis Grizzlies for center Kosta Koufos.
What does it give the Denver Nuggets
The big shakeup in Denver's management (including the departures of GM Masai Ujiri and head coach George Karl) brings an obvious change in direction, and the trade of Koufos is one of the first big changes. Moving him opens up the Nuggets' starting center job for the highly-paid {P JaVale McGee}, and Arthur can be an underrated backup at both center and power forward. Lauvergne dosen't project as being NBA ready but Denver gets his rights here in hopes he can help in the future.
What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies essentially save a bit of money here by not having to sign Lauvergne, and like Denver they are looking at a head coaching change (and management obviously liked Koufos better as a fit than Arthur for the new regime). This deal also opens up playing time for talented power forward {P Ed Davis}, who should pick up some of the minutes left by Arthur.
Fantasy impact
{P JaVale McGee} is the big winner in this trade, since he likely gets to start regularly now for Denver after being stuck behind Koufos. McGee is capable of monster numbers in the blocks and rebounds departments, although he can be erratic for stretches. Koufos clearly loses fantasy value, since he's now a backup again (behind stars {P Marc Gasol} and {P Anthony Randolph}). Arthur's value probably stays the same with Denver as it was with Memphis, although as mentioned {P Ed Davis} gets a boost from his departure from the Grizz. Rookie power forward Lauvergne is a fringe NBA prospect who won't likely be on the radar for a couple of seasons.
