COLE LANDS IN 'NAWLINS; SALMONS TO SUNS
The New Orleans Hornets acquired point guard Norris Cole from the Phoenix Suns for swingman John Salmons.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
Lately the Pelicans have been playing swingman Tyreke Evans at point guard--with usual starter Jrue Holiday out due to a leg injury--and with Holiday's return date uncertain it makes sense to add another point guard. Enter Cole, who showed earlier this season with Miami that he can capably run an offense. Cole was traded to Phoenix earlier in the day (in the Goran Dragic swap), so gets flipped here for veteran Salmons. Cole's contract expires after this season so this may just be a nice short-term rental for the playoff drive.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Salmons obviously doesn't have Cole's upside but he's a solid vet who can do the little things, play several positions well, and provide depth both defensively and as a scorer. He's the type of player who can help a team make the playoffs, and that's exactly what the Suns are trying to do. Salmons' contract comes off the books following this season so this too is a possible rental situation.
Fantasy impact
Cole suddenly becomes a fantasy sleeper again with this deal. He was a surprising producer for Miami earlier this season before cooling off, and it won't be surprising if he pushes Jimmer Fredette in the 'Nawlins backcourt while Holiday is out (especially with Toney Douglas released in a related move). As for Salmons, he probably won't have much (if any) fantasy value with the Suns, but he may erode some of the value Gerald Green and Marcus Morris have.
