Mon, Jul 27, 2015 at 3:29pm

MIAMI MOVES NAPIER TO MAGIC

The Orlando Magic acquired point guard Shabazz Napier and cash from the Miami Heat for a protected 2nd-round draft pick in 2016.

What does it give the Orlando Magic
The Magic is a much more youth-focused team than the Heat, and so is probably a better fit for the still-learning Napier. Even though they have a rising future start at the point in Elfrid Payton, the Magic can get great reserve value from playmaker Napier (who has the tools to be a quality NBA backup eventually, and possibly a starter). This is a solid depth addition for Orlando.

What does it give the Miami Heat
For Miami this move is about saving money. With one of the highest payrolls in the NBA they're in luxury tax penalty territory, and moving Napier's contract helps them save several million dollars (in both salary and tax). Once thought of as the Heat's point guard of the future, Napier's stock with the team fell when star point-man Goran Dragic was acquired and re-signed.

Fantasy impact
Despite this move to a younger team, Napier probably won't see a big increase in playing time soon (since he appears to be stuck behind Payton and veteran backup C.J. Watson). Nonetheless, this trade probably gives Napier a little more sleeper appeal and definitely improves his chances as a keeper. The trade has little fantasy fallout on the Miami side, since point guard duties there are already sewn up by Dragic and Mario Chalmers.