Ronnie Brewer trade: Thunder get potential rotation player; Knicks clear roster spot

In yet another minor move, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Ronnie Brewer from the New York Knicks for their own 2014 second-round pick.

FOR THE THUNDER

This is an interesting move for Oklahoma City. Brewer began the year as the Knicks' starter as they raced into first place in the East, but suddenly fell out of the rotation after a string of awful play. With Iman Shumpert back, the Knicks had no need to keep Brewer. It was somewhat justified, too -- while the Knicks haven't exactly been world-beaters recently, Brewer had become a barely-functional offensive player

Now, the Thunder will see if Brewer can carve a spot in their shallower wing rotation. Oklahoma City could absolutely use a swingman that would allow them to go small, but is Brewer even better than youngster DeAndre Liggins? The Brewer we saw in November definitely is. The Brewer we saw in December and January? It's much closer. While the Thunder didn't exactly give up much, it might have served them better to develop their younger guy than hope the older guy turns over a new leaf.

GRADE: C+

FOR THE KNICKS

Brewer was rotting on the end of the bench, so getting something for him, even an asset like a future second-round pick from a good team, is helpful. More importantly, this move cleared up a roster spot used to sign Kenyon Martin, who is likely to provide the Knicks with much more than Brewer had been over the last month.

GRADE: A

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