MAGIC & MEMPHIS MOVE RIDNOUR, TIMMA
The Orlando Magic acquired the rights to swingman Janis Timma from the Memphis Grizzlies for point guard Luke Ridnour.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
Heading into the NBA Draft, the Magic frees up almost $3 million in salary cap space here by moving Ridnour. The vet point-man wasn't as much of an on-court contributor last season as some expected him to be (although he is a great mentor/locker room guy), and at 34 his NBA career may be winding down. As for Timma, he's a talented wing player--something the young Magic needs--but it's unclear when (if ever) he'll make the jump to the NBA.
What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
Ridnour's salary is not guaranteed, so the Grizzlies have options following this swap. They can either keep him as a veteran backup to Mike Conley, or they can waive him or trade him heading into what's expected to be a busy NBA off-season. It seems clear Memphis wasn't waiting for Timma to arrive, but down the road they may regret letting him go (since he has some sleeper appeal for the future).
Fantasy impact
Even if Ridnour keeps playing next season he appears highly unlikely to be very productive (due to age and an increasingly reduced role). As for Timma, he gets a minor bump up in long-term keeper value here, since the Magic is a young team that needs wing players. That said, it's far from a sure thing Timma makes it to the NBA (and if he does, that it'll be anytime soon).
