Celtics Win
Boston acquired Dennis Johnson; 1983 first-round pick (#21 Greg Kite); 1983 third-round pick (#52 Winfred King) from Suns in exchange for Rick Robey; 1983 second-round pick (#28 Rod Foster); 1983 second-round pick (#45 Paul Williams).
Boston Celtics Received
- Player Dennis Johnson
- Draft Pick 1983 first-round pick (#21 Greg Kite )
- Draft Pick 1983 third-round pick (#52 Winfred King )
Phoenix Suns Received
- Player Rick Robey
- Draft Pick 1983 second-round pick (#28 Rod Foster )
- Draft Pick 1983 second-round pick (#45 Paul Williams )
Trade Analysis
Boston Celtics Perspective
DJ became the perfect defensive complement to Bird, won Finals MVP in 1979 and two more titles in Boston (1984, 1986), and made 5 All-Defensive teams as a Celtic. Robey was a solid center but never close to DJ's impact. One of the most important championship finishing moves of the Bird era.
Phoenix Suns Perspective
Phoenix traded Dennis Johnson and additional draft value for Rick Robey and two second-round picks. Johnson immediately became a championship catalyst in Boston and later a Hall of Famer, while the Suns’ return never approached that impact. This is one of the franchise’s clearest historical losses.