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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Pistons trading for Jennings

According to an initial report from Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Detroit Pistons have agreed in principle to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks to acquire guard Brandon Jennings in a sign-and-trade deal. The Pistons are finalizing a three-year, $24 million contract with Jennings. The Bucks will receive guard Brandon Knight, center Slava Kravtsov, and forward Khris Middleton according to league sources. 

Jennings would be the second big free agent signing of the summer after signing forward Josh Smith to a four-year, $54 million deal. From an experience standpoint Jennings is an upgrade from Brandon Knight, and Detroit now has a reasonably lethal scoring threat from the guard position. With the acquisition of Smith, I saw a formidable front court forming alongside center Greg Monroe and second-year forward Andre Drummond (all three guys with knacks for double-doubles and shot blocking). Not only would adding Jennings provide another young spark for their back court, but you're looking at a potential "lefty" nucleus with Jennings/Smith/Monroe. Don't forget the Pistons also brought back veteran guard Chauncey Billups for a capable and disciplined championship presence on the floor and in the locker room. This could be a feisty gathering in Motown and a potential bottom-half sleeper in the East next season. 

Check out Jennings' 55-point performance against Golden State in 2009: