DENVER BRINGS IN BROOKS FOR HAMILTON
The Denver Nuggets acquired combo guard Aaron Brooks from the Houston Rockets for swingman Jordan Hamilton.
What does it give the Denver Nuggets
The recent season-ending injury suffered by {P Nate Robinson}, combined with the trade of {P Andre Miller}, makes Brooks a much-needed player for Denver. The Nuggets are probably close to out of the West playoff race, but regardless, they need a ball-handler right now more than a swingman. Enter Brooks, who has shown he can play at a near-stellar level if given a chance. Brooks is additionally appealing here because he has a very affordable pact that expires following this season.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
The Rockets have three excellent guards in {P James Harden}, {P Jeremy Lin}, and {P Patrick Beverley}, so moving Brooks was probably not a tough call (even though they bring on a little more salary with Hamilton's contract). The arrival of Hamilton gives them a wing player with untapped upside as a scorer, and if Hamilton steps up for them (which he can) they now have more positional options off the bench for their playoff push. Plus, if Hamilton doesn't work out, his inexpensive contract can be cut after this season.
Fantasy impact
Both Brooks and Hamilton look poised for bigger roles following this swap, since they both fill needs on their new squads. Brooks likely cuts into the playing time of promising young combo guard {P Evan Fournier} on the Nuggets, while Hamilton essentially replaces Brooks in the Houston rotation.
