CAVS GET ROSTER, CAP FLEXIBILITY FROM JAZZ FOR FELIX
The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired power forward-center Malcolm Thomas, combo forward Erik Murphy, and point guard John Lucas from the Utah Jazz for swingman Carrick Felix, a second-round draft pick in 2015, and cash.
What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
The first part of Cleveland's plan to become a contender again is complete, with superstar combo forward {P LeBron James} joining All-Star point-man {P Kyrie Irving} as arguably the NBA's top duo. The Cavs now are clearly looking to add a third superstar, with rumors ongoing that they're trying to pry elite big man {P=1940 Kevin Love} from Minnesota. This Felix trade clears more cap space for them to do that, since none of Thomas, Murphy, nor Lucas has a guaranteed contract (and so can be moved off the payroll to save money). Thomas probably has the best chance to be helpful if he sticks around. This move seems mostly about moving Felix's guaranteed deal.
What does it give the Utah Jazz
Felix still has considerable untapped potential, making him an ideal fit for a very young and rebuilding Utah squad. He can slot in backing up at the shooting guard and small forward positions and provide energy, defense, and potential. Felix played well in the recently-finished Las Vegas Summer League, and has a much better chance of playing reguarly in Utah than he did in Cleveland. This is a solid move by Utah, which needs more options all-round and also gets the 2015 second-rounder and cash to take on Felix's modest (but guaranteed) contract.
Fantasy impact
Even if any of Thomas, Murphy, or Lucas sticks with the Cavs (which appears unlikely), none of them projects as a rotation regular (except perhaps Thomas, and he's mostly a defensive low-post role player). Felix probably won't make a splash fantasy-wise anytime soon, but he has an improving game and should at least make more progress as a player with Utah (as a backup for now) than he was making with Cleveland.
