The Phoenix Suns were about to send forward Trevor Ariza to the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal Friday night.
And then...
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro reported the the Suns, Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies initially agreed to a trade that would bring Wizards point guard Austin Rivers to Phoenix. In addition, guard Wayne Seldon and a guard/forward with the last name Brooks were expected to be part of the deal.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, however, that the Grizzlies were confused over whether Dillon Brooks or MarShon Brooks were to be part of the trade. That confusion reportedly led to the dismantling of the deal.
Memphis, Phoenix finally talked directly -- realized there was confusion on which Brooks was in deal -- and Memphis refuses to include MarShon over Dillon, league source tells ESPN. Grizzlies are out, so Suns/Wizards would need to do a deal directly or find a new 3rd team. https://t.co/YRcCOHJqUO
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
Miscommunication has killed the deal. Mind boggling. The Suns believed they traded for Dillon Brooks. The Grizzlies thought they traded MarShon Brooks. This is unprecedented. You have never seen anything like this.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) December 15, 2018
It looks, however, like the confusion might not have been the Suns' fault.
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
Wojnarowski added the Suns and Wizards were still talking late Friday night in hopes of eventually working out a deal that would send Ariza to D.C.
Phoenix signed Ariza, a 15-year pro, to a one-year, $15 million deal in June. He has averaged 9.9 points and five rebounds in 26 games for the Suns this season.
Friday's report came one day after Suns owner Robert Sarver posted a video message assuring fans that the team is going to stay in Phoenix despite a report that Sarver threatened to relocate the team.
