Phoenix acquired Paul Silas from Atlanta on May 8, 1969 for Gary Gregor and, according to a contemporaneous draft-rights reconstruction, an off-books 1970 first-round right that ultimately became No. 16 Gary Freeman. Silas played 239 Suns games across three seasons, made the 1972 All-Star team and earned All-Defensive Second Team honors twice. Atlanta received 81 games from Gregor and later used the disputed first-round right as part of its Walt Bellamy transaction, so the Hawks' return was meaningful even though Phoenix received the best direct player.
The Suns acquired Paul Silas from Atlanta on May 8, 1969 for Gary Gregor. One contemporaneous draft-rights reconstruction also ties an off-books 1970 first-round right to the transaction, though that component is disputed across the surviving record.
Silas played 239 Suns games across three seasons, made the 1972 All-Star team and earned two All-Defensive Second Team selections. His Phoenix tenure supplies the clearest realized value in the transaction.
Gregor played 81 games for the Hawks. The disputed first-round right is also tied in one reconstruction to Atlanta’s later Walt Bellamy transaction, so the Hawks’ side is not treated as empty even under the broader interpretation.
The exact structure is debated, but Silas’ verified Suns production is not. Phoenix’s A versus Atlanta’s B+ reflects the best direct player going to the Suns while acknowledging meaningful value on the Hawks’ side.
Phoenix Suns Win — Phoenix A, Atlanta B+. Phoenix acquired Paul Silas from Atlanta on May 8, 1969 for Gary Gregor and, according to a contemporaneous draft-rights reconstruction, an off-books 1970 first-round right that ultimately became No. 16 Gary Freeman.