Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 8:49pm

CHARLOTTE, MEMPHIS, & MIAMI MOVE 4 EXPIRING DEALS (LEE, HAIRSTON, ROBERTS, BIRDMAN) PLUS PICKS

In a three-team trade, the Charlotte Hornets acquired guard/forward Courtney Lee and cash from the Memphis Grizzlies for guard/forward P.J. Hairston and two 2nd-round draft picks (one in 2018, one in 2019). The Grizzlies also acquired center/power forward Chris Andersen and two future conditional 2nd-round draft picks from the Miami Heat. The Heat acquired point guard Brian Roberts from Charlotte.

What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
This swap suggests the Hornets are committed to a playoff push this season. The recent season-ending loss of defensive ace forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist led to a needed replacement defender on the wing, and Lee is that guy. He can also hit the outside shot and be a go-to scorer for stretches, so this is a strong short-term add for Charlotte (especially since Lee's contract comes off the books after this season). Roberts and Hairston weren't big-minute guys for the Hornets.

What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
While this is technically a 3-team trade, Memphis essentially sends Lee and cash to Charlotte in return for Hairston, Andersen, and four future 2nd-round picks. Lee was made expendable by the play of veteran swingmen Jeff Green and Tony Allen, and his role can be filled adequately by the younger Hairston. The bigger key for Memphis here is 'Birdman' Andersen, who can help pick up some of the defensive slack left by the (likely) season-ending injury to superstar center Marc Gasol. Added bonus: both Hairston and Andersen's deals expire after this season. Overall, a nice haul for the Grizz.

What does it give the Miami Heat
This isn't a big deal for the Heat but it accomplishes two things: saving about $2 million in salary tax (by moving Birdman's expiring contract), while shoring up their point guard depth with Roberts (who can replace the minutes the injured Tyler Johnson was logging). Roberts too has an expiring deal, and Andersen was barely playing for Miami.

Fantasy impact
Lee has a chance to start for the Hornets at small forward, so he's worth having on your fantasy radar down the stretch. His addition to the Hornets roster likely somewhat hurts the fantasy fortunes of Jeremy Lamb. Andersen too might see a nice bump up in minutes, since the Grizzlies don't have many options at center now with Gasol out. 'Birdman' 's arrival likely hurts the short-term fantasy upside of soon-to-return shot-blocker Brandan Wright. Also keep an eye on Jeff Green, whose minutes and starts may increase for Memphis. With Hairston or Roberts, it's hard to see either one, respectively, playing significant minutes anytime soon with his new squad.