Trade Verdicts
NBA Trade Verdict

Suns Win

Phoenix acquired Jim Fox and Detroit's 1969 third-round pick for McCoy McLemore on December 17, 1968; the pick became Lamar Green at No. 33. Fox immediately averaged 13.8 points and 13.3 rebounds in 51 Suns games, then played 81 more for Phoenix the next season. Green added 345 regular-season games for the Suns across five seasons after being drafted. Detroit received two useful seasons from McLemore, who played 123 Pistons games at 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. A legacy NBA Guide listing also shows an unidentified pick going to Detroit, but team and league ledgers do not corroborate it, so that asset is not credited in the verdict.

December 17, 1968 Detroit Pistons / Phoenix Suns Record confidence: High

Detroit Pistons Received

Phoenix Suns Received

Detroit Pistons

B-

Phoenix Suns

A

Trade Analysis

Phoenix Acquired Jim Fox and a Third-Round Pick

The Suns acquired Jim Fox and Detroit’s 1969 third-round pick for McCoy McLemore on December 17, 1968. The draft choice became No. 33 selection Lamar Green.

Fox Delivered Immediate Interior Production

Fox averaged 13.8 points and 13.3 rebounds across 51 Phoenix games after the trade, then appeared in 81 more games for the Suns the following season.

Lamar Green Extended the Phoenix Return

Green added 345 regular-season games for Phoenix across five seasons after being drafted. That gave the Suns a second substantial asset from the same transaction.

Detroit Received Useful Value but Far Less Longevity

McLemore played 123 Pistons games over two seasons at 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Phoenix’s A versus Detroit’s B- reflects the combined Fox-Green return without ignoring Detroit’s productive player and two useful seasons.

Final Verdict

Suns Win — Detroit B-, Phoenix A. Phoenix acquired Jim Fox and Detroit's 1969 third-round pick for McCoy McLemore on December 17, 1968; the pick became Lamar Green at No. 33.

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