Phoenix Suns acquire forward Brandan Wright from Boston
Jan 9, 2015, 10:36 PM | Updated: 11:28 pm
There has been speculation about a trade involving the Phoenix Suns, and Yahoo! Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report the team had acquired forward Brandan Wright from the Boston Celtics.
The move was later confirmed by the team in a press release.
“We are excited to add Brandan to our roster,” said GM Ryan McDonough. “His length, athleticism and finishing ability make him a great fit for our style of play. He is one of the most efficient scorers in the league and his shot blocking ability will help anchor our defense.”
In exchange for Wright, the Suns are sending a protected first-round pick to Boston. The pick belongs to Minnesota, and is top-12 protected in both 2015 and 2016. If the pick has not been conveyed by 2016, the Timberwolves will instead send second round picks in 2016 and 2017.
Wright, 27, started the season with the Dallas Mavericks, but was dealt to the Celtics in the Rajon Rondo trade in December.
In 35 games this season, the former North Carolina star has averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots per game.
“I have known Brandan since he entered the NBA in 2007,” said Suns president of basketball operations Lon Babby. “He is a person of the highest character who will fit perfectly into our burgeoning Suns culture. We look forward to welcoming him to Phoenix.”
In his career, Wright has played in 320 NBA games, starting 47. The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward has career averages of 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and one blocked shot per game.
Wright started his career in Golden State in 2007 after being a first-round pick (8th overall) of the Charlotte Bobcats, before being traded to the Warriors on draft night.
Golden State dealt him to New Jersey in February of 2011 and Wright would sign as a free agent with Dallas midway through the 2011-12 season.
He is in the final year of his contract and is making $5 million for the 2014-15 season.
