JAZZ GETS TREY SPECIALIST NOVAK, RAPS CUT PAYROLL
The Utah Jazz acquired combo forward Steve Novak and a second-round draft pick in 2017 from the Toronto Raptors for combo guard Diante Garrett.
What does it give the Utah Jazz
Novak is a quality outside shooter who can come off the bench and stretch the floor, and he also brings some needed veteran locker-room leadership to the young Jazz. Utah was among the NBA's least-productive 3-point shooting teams last season, and Novak can give this team a boost in that area. The Jazz takes on some salary, but Novak should prove to be a valued role player for this squad. Utah also gets the draft pick as an obvious incentive to assume Novak's contract.
What does it give the Toronto Raptors
The improving Raptors needed to jettison some salary in order to re-up with several of their own free agents, and they make some strides with that here: with Garrett expected to be waived the Raptors save more than $6 million over the next two seasons by moving Novak's contract. Novak provided hustle and outside shooting but he didn't see many minutes, and Toronto has another excellent shooter off the bench (with a more well-rounded game) in {P Nando De Colo}.
Fantasy impact
Expect Novak (for the Jazz) and De Colo (for the Raptors) to both see bigger roles than last season off the bench--although for now, neither should be seen as more than a deep sleeper in fantasy leagues. Garrett will probably push for a roster spot with a new NBA team for 2014-15, but won't likely be fantasy-worthy even if he makes another squad.
