MIN - NOH

[shrink]

NOH GETS: Craig Smith + Kevin Ollie

MIN GETS: Julian Wright + Ryan Bowen (exp)

FOR NOH: While he isn't the perfect fit because he lacks height, Craig Smith provides quickness and strength, and gives them a better bench scoring option at PF (about 10 PPG his first three years). I think he'd pair well with Tyson Chandler behind him. He has a tiny contract for next year, which should help a Hornets team that's over the lux. Kevin Ollie can back up Antonio Daniels while Chris Paul is out, to minimize sliding in a tight race for homecourt advantage. He's not a longterm commitment for next year when the Hornets are over the lux, and he provides veteran play-off experience.

FOR MIN: Julian Wright is intrigueing, but he's not going to get playing time on a contending team in a play-off race. They may like him for the future, but they are playing to win now, and right now, he's averaging a meager 3.2 PPG. Craig Smith will lose more minutes to Love as the season progresses.

[shrink]

Never mind. We just learned Craig Smith is out for a couple weeks with a small crack in a rib.