RAPS, HORNETS SWAP WRIGHT, BELINELLI
The Toronto Raptors acquired Julian Wright from the New Orleans Hornets for Marco Belinelli.
What does it give the Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have been trying hard this off-season to get more athletic and better defensively, and Wright may help in both those areas. Belinelli didn't quite pan out as the playmaker they expected and isn't a defensive stopper, so moving him for a reclamation project in the big, explosive Wright is a solid risk. Moreover, Wright's salary is only slightly higher than Belinelli's and expires after the coming campaign.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
The Hornets recently moved backup point guard Darren Collison and so don't have an established backup point guard for Chris Paul. Belinelli can help out a little in that area, and is also a good perimeter scorer who can fill in at either guard spot. The Hornets were long frustrated with Wright, so trading him here gives them a chance to move on while adding a solid depth player whose contract is a little less expensive than Wright's (and expires after the upcoming season).
Fantasy impact
