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12-03-2003, 06:17 PM
ESPN.com news services
The Blazers have traded Bonzi Wells to the Grizzlies for Wesley Person, a conditional first-round pick in the 2004 Draft and cash considerations.
If Memphis' first round pick in the 2004 Draft is one of the top three picks, the Grizzlies have the option to keep the pick.
Grizzlies president of basketball operations Jerry West announced the trade in a statement Wednesday.
"We're very excited about the opportunity to acquire a player of the caliber of Bonzi Wells. He is a very talented player who is young, and already has quite a bit of experience of being successful in this league," West said in the statement. "We are very hopeful that this opportunity provides a fresh start for Bonzi in Memphis and that he enjoys joining a rising young team in the Grizzlies. We're very optimistic Bonzi will provide a significant presence in our lineup."
Earlier this season, Wells was stripped of his team captaincy and suspended two games after he cursed at coach Maurice Cheeks.
Wells has spent his entire six-year career with in Portland, averaging 13.3 points per game. He averaged a career-best 17.0 points during the 2001-2002 season. In 13 games this season, he is averaging 12.2 points.
Person, known for his perimeter marksmanship, has a career scoring average of 11.8, but is averaging just 5.2 points this season with a poor .308 shooting percentage.
"Of course, we lost a veteran player in Wesley who is a true professional and has done a wonderful job for us over the last two seasons," West said. "We certainly wish the best for Wesley as he continues his successful career in the NBA."
During a game in November, Cheeks yanked Wells for taking an ill-advised jumpshot. Wells swore at Cheeks on his way back to the bench and stood on the sideline and continued a profanity-laced tirade. Wells sat out the final 16:17 of the game, and the Blazers quickly lost the lead. The Mavericks went on to win 105-98.
"It just gets old. I'm sick of it," Cheeks said at the time. "I'm sick of always saying he didn't mean it and all that. Players have to be accountable for what they do and what they say."
Earlier in November, he was fined $10,000 by the team for making an obscene gesture toward a heckling fan during a loss to the 76ers.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The Blazers have traded Bonzi Wells to the Grizzlies for Wesley Person, a conditional first-round pick in the 2004 Draft and cash considerations.
If Memphis' first round pick in the 2004 Draft is one of the top three picks, the Grizzlies have the option to keep the pick.
Grizzlies president of basketball operations Jerry West announced the trade in a statement Wednesday.
"We're very excited about the opportunity to acquire a player of the caliber of Bonzi Wells. He is a very talented player who is young, and already has quite a bit of experience of being successful in this league," West said in the statement. "We are very hopeful that this opportunity provides a fresh start for Bonzi in Memphis and that he enjoys joining a rising young team in the Grizzlies. We're very optimistic Bonzi will provide a significant presence in our lineup."
Earlier this season, Wells was stripped of his team captaincy and suspended two games after he cursed at coach Maurice Cheeks.
Wells has spent his entire six-year career with in Portland, averaging 13.3 points per game. He averaged a career-best 17.0 points during the 2001-2002 season. In 13 games this season, he is averaging 12.2 points.
Person, known for his perimeter marksmanship, has a career scoring average of 11.8, but is averaging just 5.2 points this season with a poor .308 shooting percentage.
"Of course, we lost a veteran player in Wesley who is a true professional and has done a wonderful job for us over the last two seasons," West said. "We certainly wish the best for Wesley as he continues his successful career in the NBA."
During a game in November, Cheeks yanked Wells for taking an ill-advised jumpshot. Wells swore at Cheeks on his way back to the bench and stood on the sideline and continued a profanity-laced tirade. Wells sat out the final 16:17 of the game, and the Blazers quickly lost the lead. The Mavericks went on to win 105-98.
"It just gets old. I'm sick of it," Cheeks said at the time. "I'm sick of always saying he didn't mean it and all that. Players have to be accountable for what they do and what they say."
Earlier in November, he was fined $10,000 by the team for making an obscene gesture toward a heckling fan during a loss to the 76ers.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.