Washington Wizards point guard Delon Wright could be on his way out. Although the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline has passed, the impending free agent is a prominent buyout candidate. According to the latest reports, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly “interested in” Wright:
Several playoff contenders, including the Suns, are monitoring whether Wizards guard Delon Wright will be bought out, league sources told HoopsHype. Since the trade deadline, Wright has averaged 4.6 minutes per game in four games for Washington heading into the All-Star break.
On the season, Wright is averaging 4.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Additionally, the 31-year-old is shooting 39.3% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point line.
Wright’s 13.8 minutes per game is the lowest of his career since his rookie season during the 2015-16 season.
The 33-22 Suns currently share the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with the New Orleans Pelicans heading into the All-Star Break. And although they recently signed veteran forward Thaddeus Young, it appears they are still looking to boost their team for a second-half push.
What Would Delon Wright Bring to the Phoenix Suns?
Wright is a smart and reliable point guard who can be a floor general for Phoenix’s bench unit. Additionally, he is a good shooter and, at 6’5″, can play a bit of shooting guard if necessary. Wright’s defense is not anything special, but it should not be a dealbreaker.
Heading into the season, one of Phoenix’s biggest concerns was their lack of a true point guard. For most of the season, they have been playing star Devin Booker in the position. Although it is a role he has played well in so far (his 7 assists per game this season is a career-high), it is unclear how well this would work in the postseason. Wright is mostly a backup point guard, and that probably would not change with the Suns. However, this roster gives him the best combination of playing for a contender and assuming an important role.
Who Else Could Sign Wright?
So far, the Suns are the only team reporting interest in Wright after the Trade Deadline. However, in the weeks leading up to it, many title contenders showed interest in the California native:
Delon Wright has drawn trade interest from the Celtics, Kings, and Timberwolves, league sources told HoopsHype. The Nuggets were also mentioned recently by Marc Stein.
Since the Trade Deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves added Monte Morris, another guard the Suns showed interest in previously. However, the Kings, Celtics, and Nuggets have not added a point guard since this report. For now, it is safe to assume all those teams would remain interested in Wright if he gets bought out by the Wizards.
The last day for teams to buy out players is February 29, roughly two weeks away.
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