T-WOLVES TRADE SCORER WILLIAMS FOR DEFENDER MBAH A MOUTE
The Sacramento Kings acquired combo forward Derrick Williams from the Minnesota Timberwolves for combo forward Luc Mbah a Moute.
What does it give the Sacramento Kings
Despite their ongoing struggles the Kings have added several talented young players in recent years, and Williams is yet another who may develop into a star. For awhile now Sacramento has needed a long-term answer at small forward, and Williams can be that. He should replace Mbah a Moute as the starter at the 3-spot right away, and it won't be surprising at all if he soon becomes a go-to guy for the young Kings. He needs to show he can bring at least some of the defensive effort Mbah a Moute did, but Williams is a big upgrade offensively with his inside-outside game.
What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
Williams had a tough time finding a regular role since Minny took him at No. 2 overall in the 2011 NBA draft. He was stuck behind superstar {P Kevin Love} at power forward, and several players with less-impressive physical tools than his moved ahead of Williams at small forward (including the offensively-efficient {P Chase Budinger} and the defensively-focused {P Corey Brewer}). Mbah a Moute projects as more of a role player than Williams, but he should at least provide some desperately-needed defensive punch backing up both forward spots (and even center) for the Timberwolves.
Fantasy impact
It shouldn't take long for Williams to become a starter for the Kings, either at small forward (ahead of the aging {P John Salmons}) or at power forward (where he would be in a tougher fight for minutes against underrated starter {P Jason Thompson}). Whatever the case, Williams should see a big boost in fantasy value fairly quickly, having already proven he can pile up points, 3-pointers, and rebounds when given regular playing time. Thompson and {P Patrick Patterson} will likely see their modest fantasy values take a hit, since there will be fewer frontcourt shots to go around. For Minnesota not much will likely change fantasy-wise since Williams wasn't playing regularly for the T-Wolves this season. Mbah a Moute isn't a fantasy factor even when he plays significant minutes. That said, top defensive backup big man {P Dante Cunningham} might see a slight decrease in playing time soon.
