BUCKS MOVE CARTER-WILLIAMS TO BULLS FOR SNELL
The Chicago Bulls acquired point guard Michael Carter-Williams from the Milwaukee Bucks for swingman Tony Snell.
What does it give the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are trying to retool quickly despite this summer's roster overhaul, and Carter-Williams projects as their new backup point guard (behind new starter Rajon Rondo). When healthy and on his game Carter-Williams can be a dynamic and effective playmaker on both offense and defense, but he has struggled to stay healthy so far in his NBA career. If he doesn't pan out, his affordable contract comes off the books following this season.
What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
Snell should help the Bucks shore up the hole left on the wing by the injury to Khris Middleton. While not a star, Snell is an athletic and above-average defender who can also hit the 3-pointer, so he brings excellent '3-and-D' potential to Milwaukee. He doesn't have as much talent as Carter-Williams, but he may be more dependable (and fills a greater need, since the Bucks appear set in the backcourt).
Fantasy impact
After winning NBA Rookie of the Year honors for the 76ers in 2014, Carter-Williams has disappointed (mostly due to his lack of durability and his struggles hitting perimeter shots). That said, he's still young (just 25) and is a proven stat-stuffer in points, assists, rebounds, and steals. He won't be very fantasy-relevant right away for the Bulls, but if Rondo doesn't produce as expected, Carter-Williams may eventually be a nice add for fantasy. For now his arrival likely hurts the fantasy fortunes of fellow point-men Jerian Grant and Isaiah Canaan. Snell is less appealing fantasy-wise, since his role is usually limited to playing tough defense and hitting the occasional trey. Expect him to back up at both the small forward and shooting guard spots for the Bucks.
