Hickson Is A Promising Run And Jump Athlete

J.J. Hickson, power forward of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been dealt to the Sacramento Kings for small forward Omri Casspi and a future first rounder.

The first round pick that Cleveland receives from Sacramento is lottery-protected in 2012 (1-14). The pick is then protected in 2013 (1-13), 2014 (1-12) and 2015-2017 (1-10). If the pick is not conveyed by 2017, then Sacramento will convey its own 2017 second round draft pick to the Cavaliers protected (56-60).

Could this be a sign of things to come with the lockout looming?  If the lockout goes into effect July 1 (tomorrow at 12:01 am ET), then teams have until midnight to complete any trades.  More moves on the horizon?

As for the trade, it seems like the Cavs are approaching this upcoming season (if we have one), with one clear objective in mind: stay in the top-three, to land one of the premiere college players (Harrison Barnes, J.J. Sullinger, Anthony Davis), in the ’12 NBA Draft.

On the Kings’ side of the story, they add a power forward to challenge Jason Thompson for the starting spot and to make up for the loss of Carl Landry, who was dealt for Marcus Thornton at the trade deadline last season.

The trade makes sense since coach Paul Westphal “lobbied long and hard” according to “The Sacramento Bee”, for small forward John Salmons, and it was evident the team had to make a move with such a logjam at the three.

It was apparent the team wanted to keep Casspi over Greene, as they believed Omri had more “upside” and preferred to hang onto him.

Nonetheless, the move for Hickson is a talent upgrade and another body on the frontline if Samuel Dalembert departs.

According to Sam Amick from the Sports Illustrated, Dalembert has no interest in re-signing with the Kings.

DeMarcus Cousins is currently warming up at center, preparing for Dalembert to leave.

Tyson Chandler rumors: