Empty the Bench

The Portland Trailblazers will be sending Juan Dixon to the Toronto Raptors for Fred Jones. ESPN reported the move just minutes ago. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s something on this Trade Deadline afternoon that has otherwise been very slow. Juan Dixon is 28 years old and did not figure into the long-term plans of the Blazers, as his skill set overlaps too much with Brandon Roy.

From a fantasy standpoint, Juan Dixon could find himself with more playing time on a roster that needs some scoring out of the backcourt. Dixon had been rumored to be headed to Detroit, but the talks yielded no trade. Fred Jones does not figure to dramatically increase in playing time or production.

The other trade announced earlier today sent 32-year-old guard Anthony Johnson from the Dallas Mavericks to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a second-round pick. The Hawks were in desperate need of ballhandlers to take some of the pressure off of Joe Johnson in the playmaking department. Anthony Johnson is a veteran who has played modestly when given minutes in the past, namely with the Indiana Pacers from 2004-2006. While Johnson’s fantasy value will not increase substantially, it’s a good move for the injury-depleted Hawks.

Possibly Related Content:

1. NBA GM’s Forget About the Trade Deadline


2. Anthony Johnson: Nice First Game


3. Joe Johnson Done; Hello Oden/Durant?


4. Reading is Great! Tuesday’s NBA Links


5. If Amir Johnson Can Do It, You Can Do It Too, Anthony Randolph