Volatile forward Bonzi Wells was traded by the Portland Trail Blazers to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday for guard Wesley Person and a conditional 2004 first-round draft pick.
Dr Jack's Take.
Personnel-wise, this trade is a win for the Grizzlies because Bonzi Wells has a better all-around game than Wesley Person. Wells, 27, is also younger than Person, 32.
But morale-wise, this is something the Trail Blazers had to do. This deal should benefit the Blazers as they try to bring equilibrium to their team chemistry. Portland had to make a move because of the conflict between Wells and coach Maurice Cheeks.
Two weeks ago, Wells was stripped of his team captaincy and suspended two games for cursing at Cheeks after being removed from a game. Given this situation, I'm not at all surprised by this trade. Clearly, Portland had to move Wells.
The Blazers miss Scottie Pippen's influence. There seems to be even more unrest on the team this season. Last season, Pippen (now with the Bulls) helped to keep the locker room in order and also was a leader on the court.
I expect Wells to start for Memphis along with Jason Williams and Mike Miller on the perimeter. The wild card for Portland is the first-round draft choice, which probably will be a middle-of-the-pack pick (the Grizzlies are currently 8-8).
-- Dr. Jack
I agree with everything said here. Good trade for both sides, what do you guys think?
