KNICKS GET POINT GUARD GRANT IN DRAFT DEAL FOR HARDAWAY JR.
The New York Knicks acquired point guard Jerian Grant (drafted No. 19 overall) from the Atlanta Hawks for forward-guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
What does it give the New York Knicks
This is a nice maneuver by the Knicks, a team with needs up and down its roster. In Grant they land a player who can probably start for them right away, and all they give up is a swingman (Hardaway) who didn't produce consistently for them last season. Knicks fans should be happy--especially since Grant is the nephew of Horace Grant, who played for Knicks boss Phil Jackson for years.
What does it give the Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks actually got the No. 19 overall pick (used to select Grant) from Washington, with the Wizards moving up to Atlanta's old No. 15 spot (to grab swingman Kelly Oubre). Hardaway has scoring ability but was inconsistent last season; the Hawks clearly believe he can give them some needed point production and depth at the wing positions.
Fantasy impact
Much depends on what else the overhauling Knicks do this off-season, but Grant should play fairly regularly in Year 1 regardless. He's a very solid offensive point guard, so could be a fantasy sleeper for 2015-16. Even if New York keeps point guards Shane Larkin and Jose Calderon around, the latter two get a steep fantasy downgrade with Grant now onboard. That said, expect some growing pains. Meanwhile on the Hawks, Hardaway's fantasy value probably takes a hit with this move to Atlanta (although it wasn't very high in New York either, after he failed to capitalize consistently on a lot of opportunity with the talent-starved Knicks). Avoid him in most fantasy leagues.
