76ers Win With Brackins Deal

The Deal: The New Orleans Hornets traded SF/PF Craig Brackins and PF/C Darius Songaila to the Philadelphia 76ers for SG Willie Green and PF/C Jason Smith

Hornets: I really don’t see the advantage here for the Hornets. I understand on paper they add another 7 footer and more center depth in Smith. And at the same time Green is a good veteran shooting guard, but they gave up a promising rookie in Brackins to do so. Smith is a promising big man, but he really hasn’t ever showed it in the regular season. Also in terms of money both Green and and Songaila are free agents after this year, but Smith is a restricted FA next year and will make at least $3.1 million, Brackins will make half of that and won’t hit restricted free agency until after the 2014/15 season. There is just not enough immediate or long term value for the Hornets, to make this trade worthwhile.

76ers: Philly wins big here getting an extra 1st round pick for a redundant veteran in Green and essentially a draft bust in Jason Smith. Brackins has a lot of potential and should give the 76ers good minutes at both the 3 and 4 positions. He will struggle some against stronger 4’s but should hold his own overall. He is a smart, efficient player who contributes both on offense and on the boards. Brackins long term is great value for Green and Smith, and really might be better this season than the pair.

Winner: For me this is a no brainer as Brackins has a ton of long term potential and the 76ers should be very happy with this deal. I think the Hornets made a major miscalculation with this deal and will regret it before the year is out.