Tue, Jan 7, 2014 at 2:42am

CAVS LAND LUOL DENG FOR PICKS & BYNUM

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired small forward Luol Deng from the Chicago Bulls for the rights to center Andrew Bynum, a protected future first-round draft pick (in either 2014, '15, '16, or '17), two second-round picks (one in 2015, one in '16), and the right to swap draft spots with Cleveland in 2015 (protected outside the top 14 selections).

What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have an above-average amount of raw talent overall, but they've struggled this season and small forward has been a major issue. That makes Deng a great addition, especially since he can start for them at the 3-spot right away and provide the veteran leadership Bynum didn't. While Deng's contract is fairly steep (almost $14.3 million this season), he can become a free agent in the summer (so if things don't work out, they can let him go). Look for Deng to immediately be a strong contributor for the Cavs, who need his defense, perimeter game, and leadership to get back in the playoff race.

What does it give the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are not expected to keep Bynum around, as they can waive him before 5pm Tuesday and keep his $12.3 million deal from becoming fully guaranteed (and instead become around $6 million). They also shed Deng's huge salary here, so overall this transaction is about saving money for a Chicago team that saw its contention plans fizzle when {P Derrick Rose} got injured again. The draft picks are a nice bonus, especially since this summer's draft is one for the ages. ESPN reports the first-rounder was originally owned by Sacramento and is top-12-protected in 2014, and top-10-protected in 2015, '16, or '17.

Fantasy impact
Fantasy-wise the biggest boost in this deal probably goes to {P Mike Dunleavy} of the Bulls. He's playing well lately and likely has the inside track on rookie {P Tony Snell} to see big minutes at small forward for Chicago replacing Deng. Dunleavy isn't quite the defender Chicago covets but the Bulls need scoring too. On the Cleveland side of this deal Deng should stay just as productive and well-rounded as ever (durability permitting). Expect him to join big men {P Anderson Varejao} and {P Tristan Thompson} in forming a very impressive new Cleveland frontcourt. Deng's arrival likely means fewer shots for {P Kyrie Irving} (when he gets back from injury) and for {P Dion Waiters}, while it probably also means no more starts for {P Earl Clark} and a smaller role for the underrated {P=1217 C.J. Miles}.