Wells Is Dealt to Grizzlies

Volatile swingman Bonzi Wells was traded by the Portland Trail Blazers to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday for guard Wesley Person and a 2004 first-round draft pick.

Wells is averaging 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season, but he was stripped of his captaincy and suspended for two games for cursing at Coach Maurice Cheeks.

Wells was fined last month for making an obscene gesture at a fan after a home loss. In March, Wells was suspended for one game by Cheeks for “conduct considered detrimental to the team.”

“We are very hopeful that this opportunity provides a fresh start for Bonzi in Memphis, and that he enjoys joining a rising young team in the Grizzlies,” Memphis President Jerry West said. “We’re very optimistic Bonzi will provide a significant presence in our lineup.”

Portland gets Person, a guard who has averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his career. His playing time has been limited this season, though, and he’s averaging only 5.2 points.

If the Grizzlies’ first-round pick in June is among the top three selections, they will keep it and give the Trail Blazers their top pick in 2005 -- provided it is not the overall No. 1 pick. If the selection rolls over to 2006, Portland will get it unconditionally.

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In another blow to the Philadelphia 76ers’ frontcourt, center Marc Jackson will undergo surgery today and be sidelined indefinitely because of a fractured left ring finger.

Jackson was injured in Tuesday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Forward Glenn Robinson (ankle) and center Derrick Coleman (knee) were already sidelined.