Suns 5-on-5: Thoughts On The Brandan Wright Trade
2. What are your thoughts on the Brandan Wright trade with Boston for a protected first round pick?
Bourguet: McDonough has Mc-done it again. Wright was leading the league in field goal percentage with the Dallas Mavericks before failing to crack the rotation in Boston. And since all the Suns are giving up is a top-12 protected pick via Minnesota — a pick that will likely wind up turning into two future second-rounders — this was basically a no-brainer.
Chasen: I love the move to acquire Brandan Wright. The guy is shooting over 70% from the field this year, while averaging roughly 18 points and 9 boards per 40 minutes. It’s also worth noting that the pick Phoenix gave up to get Wright isn’t really a first round pick, because the Timberwolves aren’t going to be good enough this year or next year, at which point the pick will become two second round picks.
Hann: Another absolute steal for Ryan Mcdonough. First, the “first round pick” is likely to turn into two second round picks unless the Minnesota Timberwolves produce a magical turnaround in the next two years. Second, there aren’t many big men in the NBA that are more tailor-made for the Suns than Brandon Wright. Wright provides tremendous length and athleticism in the open court, while also maintaining a defensive presence in the paint.
Schall: In practical terms the trade was for two second round picks which is what the first turns into in the likely scenario that Minnesota picks within the top-12 the next two seasons. Wright is one of the most efficient players in basketball shooting a league leading 72% from the floor in limited minutes. Of course that number is inflated by playing most of the season with the human magnet, Dirk Nowitzski, but Phoenix’s shooting should provide similar spacing for Wright to operate. Overall a relatively low risk deal for a young player who fills a role and should only get better.
Harris: I think that a protected first round pick might be a bit much for a utility player like Brandan Wright, but ultimately, I think that he will help the team as a defensive presence.
Next: Wright's Future In Phoenix