Fantasy Spin: Three-Team Trade Analysis; Aaron Brooks Returns

Well, now that the dust has settled and we've all sat around and memorized the new-look Magic, Wizards and Suns rosters, it's time to see who will benefit most from a fantasy perspective in the "blockbuster" three-team trade.

The biggest name in the deal is, of course, Gilbert Arenas who was sent to the Orlando Magic. Arenas is saying all the right things, claiming that he's willing to come off the bench for the Magic. I expect that he'll continue to keep his value, maybe get a bit of a boost now that he has a legitimate superstar carrying the load, so I wouldn't sell on Arenas even knowing that he'll start off the bench. That said, I wouldn't buy either. He still is an injury risk and someone who might see his trade-value increase due to the excitement surrounding the trade. Hold him if you got him, but don't buy him just yet if you want him.

Jason Richardson might lose a little value now that he's on a more loaded offensive team. He's no longer the number one scoring option playing alongside Steve Nash.

He's a starting two-guard on a team with a high usage combo-guard coming off the bench, a superstar center, a point guard who at times looks for his own shots, a seemingly rejuvenated power forward who likes to play with the ball in his hands (more on him in a bit), and sharp-shooter off the bench who realistically could start on this team. I downgrade J-Rich slightly on this deal.

How about the rest of the deal? Let's quickly take a walk down this three-team highway.

Hedo Turkoglu, Magic - He's home! Turk was lost in the Toronto offense. He was lost in the Phoenix offense. Now he's back in Orlando where he can play with the ball in his hands. I've seen him dropped in many leagues and actually got to pick him up in two of my own leagues. I suggest you do the same. This, of course, coming from a guy who does NOT like Turk from a fantasy perspective.

Brandon Bass, Magic - He wasn't part of this deal, but he does factor into the analysis. As the starting power forward he'll continue to be productive, especially considering that he's probably the second best interior big on this team. The problem is, the touches are going to be limited. Let's see how he responds, but my initial reaction is to stick with him.

Rashard Lewis, Wizards - I suppose you can now upgrade Lewis to something like "better than he was, but still not better than his draft value." He's still going to disappoint.

Nick Young, Wizards - Everyone is excited about Young, and I suppose rightfully so. Young scored 30 points in his first start of the season against Miami. He's scored at least 20 points in each of his last three games. Problem with Young is that he does nothing else but score and hit 3-pointers. He's averaging just over two rebounds and less than one assist per game. He is worth an add in all formats, however.

Marcin Gortat, Suns - I keep seeing Gortat fly off the waiver wires and hear the excitement from fantasy owners about getting Gortat now that he's in Phoenix. I'm not as excited as everyone else. First, you still have Robin Lopez as the starting center and Channing Frye at power forward for the Suns. Sure, they can use the size but he's not going to step in and play 30-plus minutes right off the bat. We also haven't seen Gortat play significant minutes during his career. I'm just not yet sold, though that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a flier.

Vince Carter, Suns - I still don't have much faith in Carter. His best days are certainly behind him. A colleague of mine, fantasy expert Greg Fox, may have put it best: "This can't be good for Vince's self-esteem." No it can't.

The other big news of the day...

Aaron Brooks returned for the Rockets and played 15 minutes off the bench, scoring nine points on 3-of-10 shooting. He's a bit rusty, but he'll work his way back into the lineup and should be starting in no time. I'd still hold onto Kyle Lowry, though. He's productive enough, adding threes, steals and assists. We also had to wait another day to see how Terrence Williams will fit into the mix. I still think it's too soon to get excited about T-Will, but time will tell just how valuable he can be in that crowded backcourt.

Andrew Bynum is having some problems with his knee again. No surprise here. Bynum has had trouble jumping and may end up missing some more time. I can't imagine the Lakers will push Bynum, since they aren't struggling without him. We'll see where they go from here.

Stephen Curry is still out with a sore ankle. We might see Reggie Williams get the start again on Monday. Williams is a must-own in all formats while Curry is out.