Yesterday’s trade that sent Jason Hart to Phoenix for Alando Tucker was one of those “money only” deals NBA fans have come to despise. Both teams save a couple of dollars. Neither player is expected to get much run with his new team. In fact, Hart – who has a non-guaranteed contract – may not ever suit up for the Suns.
The deal that almost happened would have been a lot more interesting from a fantasy perspective. That trade would have sent Hart to New Orleans in exchange for Devin Brown.
Brown has been starting for the Hornets, and playing the best ball of his career. In Minnesota, he might have been a worthwhile fantasy option, filling the T-Wolves’ opening at shooting guard. And his departure from the Hornets would have created an opportunity for another player to step in – most likely rookie Marcus Thornton.
That deal was reportedly scuttled when Brown refused to waive or reduce a trade-kicker in his contract.
There are quite a few teams eager to make changes over the next few weeks, whether they’re reducing salary to get under the luxury tax threshold (New Orleans, Utah), clearing salary for a run at next summer’s free agent class (New York, New Jersey, Miami, Chicago), tweaking their rosters for the playoffs (Cleveland, Boston, Orlando), or just pinching pennies (Phoenix, Milwaukee). So keep an eye on the trade rumors, and be ready to make a claim.
Read the full article, and get this week’s waiver wire picks, at NBA.com – Jason Hart Just the Beginning.
