Trevor Ariza began Friday as a member of the Phoenix Suns. He ended Friday as a member of the Phoenix Suns. But for a few brief hours, it looked like the 15th-year forward was going to be on the move. A deal that would’ve sent him to the Washington Wizards was completed, then fell apart in a fashion unlike we’ve ever seen before in the NBA. We’ll let our reporters tell the tale, as only they can.
9:53 p.m. ET — The Trade
The Washington Wizards are in advanced talks on a deal to acquire Phoenix forward Trevor Ariza, league sources tell ESPN. Teams trying to finalize a multi-team trade tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
The initial news of the deal sending Ariza to Washington — one that wouldn’t be able to be officially completed until Saturday, when Ariza becomes eligible to be traded — broke right as the Wizards were wrapping up a 125-118 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The details of the proposed trade followed relatively quickly.
Deal is expected to include second-round draft compensation too, league sources said. https://t.co/zkGAy2p58u
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
Washington, Phoenix and Memphis have agreed in principle on deal that will also include Wayne Selden and Dillon Brooks headed to Suns, and a 2020 Grizzlies second-round pick and a conditional 2019 second-rounder to Washington, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
10:22 p.m. ET — The Twist
Clarification: MarShon Brooks on his way to Suns, not Dillon.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
However, as it turned out, it wasn’t the people reporting the trade who were confused over which Brooks was being sent to Phoenix — it was the people MAKING the trade.
Sources with @ZachLowe_NBA: Deal in jeopardy over which Brooks — MarShon or Dillon — the Suns believed it was getting in the trade. Memphis will not put Dillon Brooks in the trade, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
This is not a joke. Also maybe if someone on the Wiz or Grizz has a Mel Brooks autographed photo that could grease the wheels. https://t.co/0Bw5rlEs8G
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 15, 2018
10:57 p.m. ET — The Jokes
With the trade’s status up in the air, #NBATwitter did what it does best: make jokes about the entire thing.
We are going to have to expand the Hall of Fame Absurdity Wing
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 15, 2018
??? I’m actually surprised this doesn’t happen more often in trades https://t.co/Y3xfi6TyMX
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) December 15, 2018
Even Mel Brooks couldn’t have made this up ??♂️ pic.twitter.com/5eurlrRnJ3
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) December 15, 2018
We got an all-time NBA moment brewing here. Not seen since the days of Tanguy Ngombo.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) December 15, 2018
Can we make an Oubre Grizzlies jersey anyway? I mean we have a Melo Hawks jersey
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 15, 2018
Even NBA players got involved, including Grizzlies forward DJ Stephens, who was taken on an emotional roller coaster by the night’s events.
I ain’t gone lie… I’m sad as hell https://t.co/SUdAwPpsKa
— Dj Stephens (@DdotJAY30) December 15, 2018
You can’t make this up ? #BrooksChronicles
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) December 15, 2018
Bruhhh what?? https://t.co/U7kyBBeDRI
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) December 15, 2018
??? bruhhh
— Royce O’Neale (@BucketsONeale00) December 15, 2018
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) December 15, 2018
Nevermind. I’m fine now https://t.co/E6Q5zPKFl5
— Dj Stephens (@DdotJAY30) December 15, 2018
11:06 p.m. ET — The End
Deal’s suddenly in peril. Memphis and Phoenix didn’t communicate directly on trade, using Washington as a conduit in coordinating the 3-team deal, sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me. Grizzlies believe they were trading MarShon, but somehow Suns believed it was Dillon.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
The deal is dead, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
11:34 p.m. ET — The Encore
Washington believes it was told Dillon Brooks in conversations with Memphis. The Grizzlies insist they told Washington it was MarShon. One rival GM texted me and said: “Maybe Washington can put Scott Brooks in if there has to be a Brooks in the deal.” Welcome to NBA Trade Season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
? #GoGrizz
— Dillon Brooks (@dillonbrooks24) December 15, 2018
Memphis GM Chris Wallace tells ESPN: “Robert Pera did not have any conversation with Suns owner Robert Sarver about the reported 3-way trade. Our front office also didn’t have any conversations with Phoenix regarding the reported 3-team trade prior to it leaking during ..” (cont)
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
Wallace continued: “… our game tonight. We were floored to learn of the reports involving Dillon Brooks in the reported trade. We never discussed Dillon as part of this trade with Washington – which was the only team we spoke with concerning this proposed deal.” https://t.co/FAdhKu0Vgx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
Source:ESPN
