The deadline for NBA franchises to make trades came at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday and one former Ohio State star is reportedly changing zip codes.
The Toronto Raptors sent former Buckeye big man Jared Sullinger to Phoenix at the deadline, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, the league's all-knowing insider for Yahoo's The Vertical. In return, the Raptors get some defensive help for a likely playoff series with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sources: Toronto is sending Jared Sullinger and two future second-round picks to Phoenix for PJ Tucker.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 23, 2017
Wojnarowski later tweeted that Phoenix added 2017 and 2018 second-round draft picks from Toronto as part of the deal.
Sullinger signed a one-year, $6 million free-agent deal with the Raptors in July after offseason foot surgery. The fifth-year pro has battled injuries and weight issues his entire career and averaged 3.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in only 11 games this season with Toronto. He is averaging 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds for his career.
Phoenix is Sullinger's third team. He played his first four seasons with Boston after the Celtics drafted him 21st overall in 2012. The Celtics did not elect to re-sign him after last season, the reason for the one-year free agent deal with Toronto.
The Raptors are 33-24 and stand fourth in the Eastern Conference with 25 games to play. Phoenix is 18-39, dead last in the West.
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) February 23, 2017
Toronto it's been an pleasure. Thank you for taking me in with open arms. you guys are seriously the BEST!! Best of luck @Raptors
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) February 23, 2017
