ROCKETS LAND MIKE JAMES
The Houston Rockets acquired guard Mike James and forward Zendon Hamilton from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for guard Reece Gaines and second-round draft picks in 2006 and 2007.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
A solid back-up point guard who can hit the outside shot. James is a
veteran who knows his way around the block, and he gives Houston both
insurance and relief for starter Bobby Sura. James can run a team and
even play a little shooting guard, and with Sura's back acting up
recently his acquisition was a must for the surging Rockets. David
Wesley has been playing out of position for Houston in Sura's stead and
Rod Strickland is certainly not the answer. A nice pick-up. After the deal is completed the Rockets are expected to waive Hamilton, a journeyman post player. He was included in the swap in return for Houston's trade exception so the deal would even out financially.
What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
More financial flexibility and a tall, rangy point guard with high
potential. Small-market, bottom-dwelling Milwaukee is all about
rebuilding now, and Gaines fits that profile well. He comes cheaply, and
by getting rid of James the Bucks free up the $7.1 Million he had
remaining on his contract. The two second-round draft picks likely won't
amount to much, but the extra cash could help the Bucks re-sign one of
their stars. The trade exception they get for Hamilton should give Milwaukee further cap flexibility for future deals.
Fantasy impact
