The three-team trade centered on Trevor Ariza that involves the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies will no longer push through.
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
In almost an hour worth of complete mayhem, the veteran two-way player will end up staying in Phoenix after all.
The initial trade had plenty of moving parts such as Kelly Oubre Jr. going to the Grizzlies and Austin Rivers shifting over to the Suns. But the most unexpected twist was the confusion over which Brooks — Marshon or Dillon — was going to be moved by Memphis.
While Dillon Brooks is the more ideal asset here due to his age and solid play from his rookie season, he's still recovering from an MCL sprain and weeks away from returning.
Meanwhile, Marshon Brooks was the Grizzlies' biggest steal near the end of last season. A high-scoring guard, Brooks was a first-round pick by the New Jersey Nets who then saw his career trajectory take him overseas before signing with Memphis.
Trevor Ariza will have to wait it out again at the desert as the Suns and Wizards try to find a new team in the mix after Memphis' exit.
Then again, throughout this entire fiasco, the entire NBA and its fans deserve a light moment.
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
Good on Woj for ending this crazy short stretch in a hilarious manner.