CAVS ADD CANUCK POWELL & HAYWOOD FOR HOPSON (WHOM HORNETS FLIP TO PELICANS)
The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired the rights to power forward Dwight Powell and center Brendan Haywood from the Charlotte Hornets for cash and swingman Scotty Hopson (who was then flipped to the New Orleans Pelicans for cash).
What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
Powell gives the Cavs a fourth young Canadian player, one who should join fellow Canuck power forwards {P Tristan Thompson} and {P Anthony Bennett} in the rotation soon (assuming he makes the team). Meanwhile Haywood isn't much of a pickup due to his age and injury history, but his non-guaranteed contract for next season might be an appealing chip to flip to other teams looking to slash payroll (and help bring Cleveland another veteran player).
What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
Hopson's value for Charlotte is his contract is non-guaranteed (so it can be valuable to another team looking to drop payroll from the salary cap). That other team is New Orleans, since shortly after this trade the Hornets then flipped Hopson to the Pelicans in return for cash.
Fantasy impact
None of the players in this deal are likely to be fantasy-worthy during the 2014-15 season, but Powell is worth keeping an eye on longer-term. Still, this deal should somewhat improve the fantasy chances of {P Noah Vonleh}, {P Cody Zeller}, and {P Bismack Biyombo} on the Hornets (with Powell no longer in that mix). Meanwhile, Hopson probably won't be a fantasy factor regardless of which team he winds up with next season.
