NUGGETS NET VET AFFLALO FROM MAGIC
The Orlando Magic acquired shooting guard-small forward Arron Afflalo from the Denver Nuggets for combo guard Evan Fournier, a second-round pick in 2014 (No. 56 overall), and a trade exception.
What does it give the Denver Nuggets
Afflalo is well-known to the Nuggets after playing with them from 2009 to 2012, and he can step in as their starting shooting guard right away (letting combo guard {P Randy Foye} come off the bench). Afflalo is a very dependable scoring swingman, and can play small forward as well. This deal suggests Denver is in contender mode, rather than rebuilding with youth. The Nuggets used a trade exception to get this deal done, meaning they don't have to match Afflalo's salary with the assets going the other way.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
The young Magic accomplish several goals with this deal: first, they add a significant amount of financial flexibility (since Afflalo was set to make $7.5 million next season); second, they get a promising young combo guard prosect in Fournier; third, they receive something in return for Afflalo, a veteran player who could leave after next season; and last, they add yet another draft pick for one of the deepest drafts in recent memory. Nice move all-round for Orlando.
Fantasy impact
The fantasy values of Foye and swingman {P Wilson Chandler} take a hit with this deal, and it's hard do see Afflalo playing as big a role with Denver as he did on the less-proven Magic. Meanwhile Fournier's fantasy value likely stays more or less the same (although he may see more opportunity with his new team). This deal does improve the fantasy fortunes of Orlando combo guard {P Victor Oladipo} (as he'll get to start full-time now), and it probably helps the Magic's small forward duo of {P Maurice Harkless} and {P Tobias Harris} (since they too should see more playing time). Of course, both of these teams have fairly high picks in the draft, so much can change quickly here.
