Chris Paul headed to the Lakers in a three-team trade – There were rumors that the Lakers wanted to trade for Paul and Dwight Howard so they could be halfway to a complete roster overhaul. The Rockets are also involved in the trade. Paul will go to the Lakers; Pau Gasol will go to the Rockets; and Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic will go to the Hornets. The Hornets would also receive a 1st-round draft pick from Houston in the deal
Paul should still be a very valuable fantasy option, and he'll have plenty of opportunities to rack up assists with Kobe Bryant in the backcourt with him. If the Lakers could pull off a deal for Howard as well, Paul's value would figure to increase even more. Even if the Lakers don't bring in Howard, Paul will still have Andrew Bynum at the five to help his value.
Both Gasol and Odom should have their fantasy value increase as a result of this trade. Odom should finally relinquish the sixth-man role that he had on the Lakers and will likely play significant minutes as a starter for the Hornets. Gasol should become the main scoring option on the Rockets, so he'll get more scoring opportunities than he did on the Lakers.
Scola and Martin were both valuable fantasy options on the Rockets and should continue to be valuable as members of the Hornets. The trio of Odom, Scola and Martin seems to fit well together on paper, leaving all of them as excellent fantasy options.
Tyson Chandler nearing deal with the Knicks – The deal can't become official until Friday, but it is believed to be worth $58 million for four years. The Knicks desperately needed help up front, especially a center to help crash the boards and keep Amare Stoudemire from getting worn down. Chandler will fit in well as he'll rebound, block shots and play tough defense while leaving the scoring up to Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. However, don't be surprised if he puts up respectable offensive numbers as he should have plenty of chances to score on offensive rebounds. He's not a top fantasy option at center, but he should be solid with the Knicks.
Knicks expected to trade or waive Chauncey Billups – With the Knicks on the verge of signing Chandler, it looks like they are going to amnesty Billups to clear up cap space. It will be interesting to see where he winds up as he was a solid fantasy option as a member of the Knicks last season. Keep an eye on the situation to see where he lands during the amnesty auctioning process.
Caron Butler agrees to deal with the Clippers – The Clippers have been mentioned in a lot of trade rumors lately, but signing Butler should be a significant help to their team. Butler will likely start at small forward and provide veteran leadership on a young team. He could be a valuable fantasy option this season if he stays healthy. Butler can provide fantasy owners with help in points, rebounds, and steals.
Baron Davis expected to be Cleveland's amnesty clause casualty – Davis was going to cost the Cavaliers $28 million against the cap over the next two seasons, so it makes a lot of sense for them to let him go. Based on his recent struggles with injuries, he's likely to be a fantasy risk wherever he decides to sign. Kyrie Irving's path to fantasy relevance has been opened wide with Davis no longer projected to steal minutes.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. agrees to deal with Milwaukee – Dunleavy has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. The Bucks needed a shooter, and Dunleavy seems to be a good fit for their roster. He will either be one of their main options off of the bench or their starting small forward, providing fantasy owners with some value in either role.
Shannon Brown agrees to deal with the Suns – Brown's signing with the Suns is a big boost for his fantasy value. He was stuck behind Kobe Bryant on the Lakers but could find himself as the starting shooting guard on the Suns depending on what other moves they make. If he does start, look for him to be a significant fantasy option that can be picked up later in drafts than what his statistics at the end of the season might warrant.
Tayshaun Prince to return to Detriot – Prince reportedly agreed to a four-year, $27 million deal to keep him in Detroit after it was believed he would sign elsewhere. He doesn't put up stellar numbers in any one category, but he has been a solid fantasy option over the years as he's able to fill up multiple categories on the stat sheet. Look for him to provide similar fantasy value this season.
Heat reportedly sign Shane Battier and Eddy Curry – The Heat didn't get much from Mike Miller last season, but signing Battier seems to be a much safer deal. Battier should provide the Heat with a solid defensive presence and is a solid shooter, but he will clearly take a back seat offensively to Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Curry would seem to be a depth signing for the Heat, but he will need to show he can stay healthy.