NBA TRADE: Gortat to Washington, Okafor to Phoenix

Sources have just informed ESPN that a late trade between the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns is underway. The deal sends 6-foot-11 center Marcin Gortat along with guards Shannon Brown, Kendall Marshall, and Malcolm Lee to the Washington Wizards. In exchange, Washington will send the expiring contract of veteran big man Emeka Okafor and a protected 2014 first-round draft pick (to no. 12) to Phoenix. 

This deal helps both teams prosper at some level. Gortat's services are solid and useful, and I'd say it's an upgrade from an injury-struck Okafor for the Wizards. He shot 56.6 percent as the roll man and 45.4 percent from the post last season, which was his final contract year with the rebuilding Suns. What Gortat brings in skill and effort on both ends of the floor only helps the Wizards' aspiring playoff contention for this season.

For Phoenix, that now makes four draft picks in next year's deep first round, which could mean Andrew Wiggins sweepstakes bidding, but at the very least the Suns have encouraging building blocks for the future. In fact, they're probably due for a top two pick in next year's coveted draft. Bottom line, both teams got what they wanted, but Wizards owner Ted Leonsis wants his team in the playoffs this year. We'll see if this was the final touch.

- Martin S. @marley_mcfly 

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Pacers win in Scola deal

The Indiana Pacers reached an agreement to acquire 33-year-old forward Luis Scola from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Miles Plumleee, Gerald Green, and a lottery protected 2014 first-round draft pick. 

Indiana clawed their way into a seven-game series with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals without all-star Danny Granger, who was sidelined for all but five games with knee issues. 

Acquiring Scola, the skilled Argentinian veteran, gives the Pacers a more viable offensive option than forward Tyler Hansbrough, who brings toughness and an eager presence on the offensive glass off the bench. Scola has been known to be a similar "garbage man" type, but with more finesse and court savvy; some would even argue that Hansbrough and Scola are both "dirty" players. With Scola, Pacers head coach Frank Vogel now has a more skilled option to back up starting forward David West, who like West, can operate out of the high-low with Roy Hibbert. 

The Pacers' front court was their greatest advantage without Scola, and it was the only advantage they had over the defending champs. Now, with a more bolstered front court, the return of Danny Granger, development from firecracker reserve Lance Stephenson, and the acquisition of back up point guard C.J. Watson for George Hill, the Indiana Pacers roster could be one of the most rounded in the league next season.

LINK: See why Tom Ziller from SB Nation writes that the Pacers could have the best team in the East with Scola.