The Phoenix Suns have acquired forward Brandan Wright in a trade with the Boston Celtics.
The Suns will send the Celtics two draft picks in exchange for Wright. One of the picks is a future second-rounder, while the other pick could be a first rounder. The Celtics will get a first-rounder from the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Suns in the next two years if the pick isn’t in the top 12, according to USA Today. If the first-rounder isn’t available by 2016, then the pick becomes a second-rounder.
“I have known Brandan since he entered the NBA in 2007,” Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said. “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.”
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough went on to say, “We are excited to add Brandan to our roster. 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.”
Wright was the eighth overall pick in the 2007 draft. He has played for the Golden State Warriors, the Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Celtics. This season he is averaging 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks with a 72.4 shooting percentage, according to NBA.com. Last season he averaged career-highs of 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds with a 67.7 shooting percentage. Wright has averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and one block with a 60.9 shooting percentage in his seven-year career.
The Wright trade isn’t the only trade that the Celtics are working on. They are finalizing a deal to trade forward Jeff Green to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Green deal also involves the New Orleans Pelicans. In the deal the Celtics would get Tayshaun Prince and a future Memphis first round pick from the Grizzlies and John Salmons from the Pelicans. The Grizzlies wound send forward Quincy Pondexter to the Pelicans and the Pelicans would send Russ Smith to the Grizzlies. Green is making $9.2 million this season and has a player option for 2015-16, the final year of his contract. This season Green is averaging 17.6 points and 4.2 rebounds, Yahoo Sports notes.
The Celtics are building for the future. With their recent trades they have acquired 11 first-round picks for the next four drafts.