NBA Trade Verdict

Suns Win

On January 12, 1979, the Phoenix Suns acquired Leonard “Truck” Robinson from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Marty Byrnes; Ron Lee; 1979 first-round pick (#20-Larry Knight); 1980 first-round pick (#19-John Duren); cash.

January 12, 1979 Phoenix Suns / Utah Jazz Record confidence: High

Phoenix Suns Received

Utah Jazz Received

  • Player Marty Byrnes
  • Player Ron Lee
  • Draft Pick 1979 first round pick (#20-Larry Knight)
  • Draft Pick 1980 first round pick (#19-John Duren)
  • Cash cash

Trade Analysis

Phoenix acquired Truck Robinson for two players, two first-round picks and cash. Robinson became an All-Star and an elite rebounder in Phoenix, while the picks became Larry Knight and John Duren and did not approach his impact. The high acquisition cost was justified by the realized star production.