Jared Cohen
Going into this weekend, the Phoenix Suns had more draft picks than any other NBA team in the next two years. On Saturday, they added yet another one.
The team announced that they have traded veteran forward Luis Scola to the Indian Pacers in exchange for Miles Plumlee, Gerald Green and a lottery protected first round pick in 2014.
“The trade is consistent with our stated plan to continue to acquire young assets,” said President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “With this trade, we now have the potential for three first-round picks in the 2014 draft and five first-round picks in the next two drafts.”
“We are excited to add Miles and Gerald to our young core group of players,” added General Manager Ryan McDonough. “Miles was one of the best players in the Orlando Summer League, and Gerald’s scoring ability and athleticism will help us as we continue to build a team that plays an exciting, up tempo brand of basketball.”
The 6-11 Plumlee was selected 26th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2012 after a standout career with Duke University. He only played in 14 games last season for the Pacers and most recently with the Pacers summer league team in Orlando, averaged 10 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
Gerald Green is six-year veteran who was originally drafter by the Boston Celtics 18th overall out of high school in 2005. He only spent one season in Indiana in 2012-13 where he came off the bench and averaged seven pointe per game.
Scola came to the Suns last off-season after winning the amnesty bid for him from the Houston Rockets and in his only season in Phoenix, he averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
“Although Luis’s time here in Phoenix was short, he certainly ingratiated himself to all of us in Phoenix with his hard work and professionalism,” mentioned Lon Babby. “He will be an important contributor to a contending team in Indiana.”
Thanks to the Suns. The team gave me all I needed, the city gave more that I needed and the fans never gave up on me. I know I’m in debt,(+)
— Luis Scola (@LScola4) July 27, 2013
…maybe one day I have a second chance to do things the right way. Suns fans you guys are awesome, good luck!!.
— Luis Scola (@LScola4) July 27, 2013
