The first blockbuster trade ahead of the NBA Draft has gone down between the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies. They have agreed to a deal that will send center Jonas Valanciunas and picks 17 and 51 in the draft to the Pelicans for Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, the 10th and 40th picks in the draft, and a 2022 protected first-round pick via the Los Angeles Lakers. Bledsoe is not expected to stay with the Grizzlies according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
This is a big move for both teams as they look to build upon their young cores. Trades don't always turn out to be win-win, but this deal looks great for both sides.
Here are the grades each team earns from this blockbuster trade.
New Orleans Pelicans: A+
While the Pelicans gave up draft capital in this deal, they got the ideal center fit alongside star Zion Williamson. Valanciunas is a stretch big that can allow Zion to dominate in the paint while spacing the floor. Although Adams is a good player, he was a terrible fit alongside Zion.
The Pelicans also get off of Bledsoe's contract, who was another horrendous fit with the Pelicans. When you're building around a guy like Zion, you need shooters, and that is not Bledsoe's game whatsoever. This trade also clears $20 million in cap space for the Pelicans, which they can use to add more shooters.
An underrated part of this deal was getting draft picks back from the Grizzlies. Even though it required them to trade down, the Pelicans can still add some rookies that can make an impact. They only had to trade down 7 spots in the first round, 11 spots in the second round, and add one of the picks from the Anthony Davis trade.
The Pelicans nailed this trade and are bound to have a better offense in 2021 because of it.
Memphis Grizzlies: A
The Grizzlies made a great deal here that will benefit the future of the franchise. While it will be tough to lose Valanciunas, they are getting quite a haul in return. Adams can be a solid role player for the Grizzlies and the draft picks will help them continue building their young core.
This trade is all about getting Ja Morant some help. Morant is one of the best young players in the league, and building around him is super important.
Adams is a key addition to this trade as he brings a ton to the table. He is one of if not the strongest players in the league and a perfect role player. He is a lob threat that can rebound with the best of them and defend the paint. Adams will bring a new dynamic to the Grizzlies at the center position that could help Morant get even better.
Bringing in Adams was good, however, the best part of the deal was the draft capital they received. Getting the 10th pick in the draft is huge as they can bring in someone to pair with Morant for years to come. Moving up in the second round will allow them to get a solid role player that could make an impact on the team. The Grizzlies also acquired a future first-round pick that could be used to bring in another young player or used in a future trade.
This was a rare win-win blockbuster trade that will help both franchises in the future.
Follow Us
Subscribe