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Suns 5-on-5: Thoughts On The Brandan Wright Trade

By Jeffrey Sanders

Jan 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Phoenix Suns bench reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Phoenix Suns 122 - 110. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Phoenix Suns bench reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Phoenix Suns 122 - 110. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Mavericks forward Brandan Wright (34) dunks the ball as Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) watches at Air Canada Centre. The Mavericks beat the Raptors 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. How does Wright help the Suns in his current role, and what is his potential with the team in the future?

Bourguet: This is an exceptionally smart trade that, on paper, is a perfect fit. He’s the backup defensive big this team needs, he can run the floor and finish alley-oops on the fast break and he’s a tremendous pick and roll guy. Markieff Morris needs a backup at power forward and I know more than a few Suns fans will be relieved if this means Phoenix starts phasing Miles Plumlee out. McDonough has said he wants to try and keep Wright this summer, so if this works out as well as anticipated, don’t be surprised to see yet another piece of this roster locked in.

Chasen: Right now, Wright is an upgrade from Plumlee, and he adds to the Suns’ overall depth. He’s also long and able to get up and down the court in transition. In the short term, he’s good enough to help the team win some games down the stretch and maybe even get in the playoffs. Looking at the long term, Wright could be quite valuable for the team if he develops his jumper as he ages (currently 27), but for the most part I don’t think he’ll ever be more than a solid piece.

Hann: Wright gives Jeff Hornacek the ability to really mix up his power forward and center combinations. The big is comfortable in both roles, and most importantly, Wright can make a defensive and offensive impact at both positions. Miles Plumlee was highly inadequate as the second big man on the depth chart and this will likely signal the end of his time in Phoenix. I fully expect Wright to be with the Suns for years to come, as the marriage will to be too much of a perfect fit for just a half-season rental.

Schall: Wright’s essentially a better version of Miles Plumlee and should provide an immediate upgrade as a rim protector and a stronger finisher on the other end. The former Tar Heel generates most of his offense on rim runs an issue since Phoenix’s guards rarely dish the ball on pick and rolls. The good news is they’re one of the sixth most efficient team in the league at scoring when they do pass. It’s going to be an adjustment, but if Jeff Hornacek can incorporate Wright it has a chance to make an already elite offense stronger, a scary proposition for the rest of the West.

Harris: Wright will be a fantastic substitute off the bench and will be a great rim protector for a team that needs defensive help. Offensively, he’s not wowing anyone (averages 7.5 ppg this season), but he is not a total offensive liability and is still capable of having good games. Overall, the acquisition of Wright will help the Suns win some more of these close games down the stretch.

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