PORTLAND LANDS KOPONEN
The Portland Trail Blazers acquired guard Petteri Koponen from the Philadelphia 76ers for guard Derrick Byars and cash considerations.
What does it give the Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers strike again. From a depth standpoint they don't really need Koponen right now, but he is one of the top young international point guards in the world. He should pair with young Sergio Rodriguez to make a fantastic tandem going forward, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Blazers now move Jarrett Jack. This team really can scout talent.
What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
Byars is a well-rounded player, and the Sixers obviously feel he can help them more than Koponen might have. He will certainly provide well-rounded play for them off the bench, and may eventually challenge incumbent small forward Rodney Carney for playing time. The Sixers might have acutally be able to use Kopoenen a little more, but this isn't a bad deal for them.
Fantasy impact
