Suns Trade Josh Jackson, De’Anthony Melton to Memphis

Arizona Sports News online

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Two years ago, Suns fans erupted when Kansas forward Josh Jackson fell to Phoenix at #4 in the 2017 NBA Draft.

The team might have found their defensive stopper to help bring some toughness and intensity to the franchise while passing on the likes of De’Aaron Fox, Lauri Markannen and Donovan Mitchell in the process.

But the Josh Jackson experiment has ended according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnowarski. According to the latest “Woj Bomb,” the Suns have sent Jackson, guard DeAnthony Melton, a 2020 second round pick and 2021 conditional second round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for sharpshooter Kyle Korver and guard Jevon Carter.

Wojnarowski also reported the Suns plan to buy out Korver.

In two years with the Suns, Jackson posted 11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Off the court, he ran into trouble with the team when missing an autograph session for fans. He was also recently accused of exposing his four-month old child to marijuana by the child’s mother.

The move will reportedly free up $5.5 million for the Suns after adding Ricky Rubio and Frank Kaminsky this offseason.