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Former Pitt standout DeJuan Blair is on the move again. This time, he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns. Accompanying Blair in the deal was Kris Humphries and a (Top 9 protected through 2021) 2016 first-round NBA Draft Pick in exchange for big man Markieff Morris.
As is typically the case when one guy is exchanged for several, Morris is the centerpiece of the deal. He is averaging 11.6 ppg and 5.2 rpg this season and last year, averaged just over 15 points per contest.
But hang on - Blair may not be headed to Phoenix. There's news that the Suns could waive him before he steps on the court. He has a contract next year, but it isn't guaranteed. If Phoenix does cut him now, they owe him his money for this year, but that would be it.
Blair's career has sort of hit rock bottom after leaving the San Antonio Spurs. He looked to be on the rise after starting the better part of two of his three seasons, but fell out of favor in his fourth year with the club. His minutes were cut and, as a result, so was his production. Blair went from averaging nearly ten points and over five rebounds per game down to 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in his last season in San Antonio. He did slightly better in Dallas in the following season but did virtually nothing for the Wizards in the past year and half.
In Washington, Blair never started a game and averaged only two points and 1.4 rebounds during that time. His minutes were cut even more and this season, is shooting career-lows from the field (41%) and from the free throw line (39% ... nope, not a typo).
The unfortunate thing is that Blair is only 26 and facing the real possibility that his NBA career could be over. A team needing depth could certainly take a chance on him, but it looks as if Blair will be fighting to stay in the league.
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