PHOENIX SUNS

Phoenix Suns acquire forward Brandan Wright from Boston

Jan 9, 2015, 10:36 PM | Updated: 11:28 pm

Follow @AZSports...

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.

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

15 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

19 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

22 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

Phoenix Suns acquire forward Brandan Wright from Boston