KINGS HAUL IN HICKSON FOR CASSPI
The Sacramento Kings acquired power forward/center J.J. Hickson from the Cleveland Cavaliers for small forward Omri Casspi and a conditional 1st-round draft pick in 2012.
What does it give the Sacramento Kings
With veteran center Samuel Dalembert set for unrestricted free agency, the young Kings can now move DeMarcus Cousins back to his more natural center spot and make room for Hickson to play at his natural power forward position. Moving Casspi makes sense for Sacto, since they recently re-acquired veteran John Salmons to play small forward (and still have Francisco Garcia and Donte Greene around at the 3-spot as well). Giving up a 2012 first-round pick as well as Casspi is a bit steep, although it is protected/conditional (since Casspi may have as much talent as Hickson); but then again, Sacto already has more than enough talented young core players (Hickson now included), and moving the pick makes added sense considering Hickson's very affordable deal expires after next season.
What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
Hickson was expendable to the Cavs after they locked down their power forward spot for the next decade or so by drafting Tristan Thompson this month. Following the draft, one spot Cleveland didn't have a clear-cut starter at is small forward, and Casspi has star potential at that position. Getting a first-rounder for next season is a great bonus for Cleveland here (although it's a protected/conditional selection), although they are taking on a two-year contract (albeit an affordable one) in Casspi's, in contrast to Hickson's one-year deal.
Fantasy impact
