NBA News Wire

Celtics deal C Wright, F Green

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The Boston Celtics traded center Brandan Wright to the Phoenix Suns on Friday for a 2015 conditional first-round draft pick and also agreed to terms on a deal to send forward Jeff Green to the Memphis Grizzlies.

According to reports, the Celtics will get guard Tayshaun Price and another future first-round draft pick from the Grizzlies in exchange for Green, who was removed from Boston’s starting lineup on Friday night at Indiana.

The 6-foot-10 Wright came to the Celtics from the Dallas Mavericks in December as part of a trade for guard Rajon Rondo.

To make room on the roster for Wright, the Suns waived forward Tony Mitchell, who was acquired by Phoenix in a trade with the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 24.

Before Wright left the Mavericks, he was averaging 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game and shooting 72.4 percent from the field. But his playing time was limited in the Celtics’ frontcourt and his averages dropped to 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 35 games for both teams.

“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.”

The Suns (22-16) entered Friday night in eighth place in the Western Conference.

“We are excited to add Brandan to our roster,” Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said. “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’s career averages are 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds. He is a career 60.9 percent shooter from the field.

Green is averaging 17.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. He averages 14.4 points and 5.1 rebounds during his career.