Wed, Jun 28, 2006 at 8:20pm

FOYE TO MINNY, ROY TO BLAZERS

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired shooting guard Brandon Roy (the 2006 draft's No.6 overall pick) from the Minnesota Timberwolves for guard Randy Foye (the 2006 draft's No.7 overall pick) and cash.

What does it give the Portland Trail Blazers
Possibly the top shooting guard in the draft, a player who may be able to start right away for them. Roy is as close to a can't-miss player as there was in the draft, and he fills an immediate need for Portland at shooting guard. The Blazers tried several players at that spot last season but Roy is a legitimate potential star (if not superstar) who may be Rookie of the Year. Roy will be one of the building blocks for Portland's recent overhaul. They had acquired the No.7 pick in an earlier deal with the Celtics.

What does it give the Minnesota Timberwolves
The player they really wanted plus some money to help pay his contract. The T-wolves could have just nabbed Foye at No.6, but they knew Roy would have added value in a trade to get Foye. The player they end up with is a very nice fit for Minny's attempt to get back to the playoffs, a high-energy guard who can start right away at either the point or shooting guard. The uncertainty about both their backcourt positions made Foye a must, since he can play both spots. This is a cagey move by Minnesota.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Minnesota Timberwolves

cash considerations

Randy Foye G

rights - Randy Foye

Portland Trail Blazers

Brandon Roy G/F

rights - Brandon Roy