Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - The Washington Wizards have acquired center Marcin Gortat from the Phoenix Suns in a five-player swap on Friday.
The Wizards added Gortat, along with guards Shannon Brown, Kendall Marshall and Malcolm Lee in return for the injured Emeka Okafor and a 2014 protected first round draft pick.
Gortat averaged 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season in 61 games. He spent two-plus years with Phoenix after starting his career backing up Dwight Howard in Orlando.
"We have solidified our frontcourt by adding a player who established himself as a very consistent and productive inside presence over the last three season," said Washington general manager Ernie Grunfeld. "Marcin's ability to rebound, defend and score will allow us to continue where we left off last season and pushes us further toward our goal of becoming a playoff team."
Okafor, Washington's starting center last season, was sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with a herniated C4 cervical disc earlier this month. The Wizards, who hope to contend for a playoff spot this season, were expected to add a big man prior to opening day.
Marshall, a 2012 lottery pick out of North Carolina, failed to impress in his only season in Phoenix, averaging just 3.0 points and 3.0 assists in 48 games.
The first round pick that Phoenix acquired is reportedly top-12 protected. The Suns could have as many as four first round picks in the 2014 draft.
The trade gives the Wizards 18 players on the active roster. Washington has until Monday, Oct. 28 at 5:00 ET to cut its roster down to 15 players.
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