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The NBA Draft is just a few days away and now we officially have our first blockbuster trade of the offseason. The Memphis Grizzlies are sending Jonas Valanciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans for Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
BREAKING: Memphis is finalizing a trade to send Jonas Valanciunas and 2021 Nos. 17 and 51 picks to New Orleans for Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, 2021 picks Nos. 10 and 40 and a protected 2022 first-round pick via the Lakers, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 26, 2021
The deal also includes a pair of NBA draft picks going both ways with the Los Angeles Lakers 2022 first headed to the Grizzlies.
In turn, the Pelicans have appeared to create cap space for free agency as they look to pair Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram with a bonafide point guard.
New Orleans creates salary cap space for August that allows them to either match an offer sheet on Lonzo Ball, or have the cap space to pursue a significant free agent point guard, including Kyle Lowry and others. Pels liked Valanciunas as floor spacer at center over Adams, too. https://t.co/3YRyBTEg1S
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 26, 2021
As Woj points out, the Pelicans are attempting to sign Lonzo Ball to a big offer sheet and want to do anything they can to bring a point guard to New Orleans, with Kyle Lowry mentioned as another option.
The Pelicans fired Stan Van Gundy and brought in Willie Green as their new head coach, and perhaps more roster shakeups are on the way as they find anything possible to bring the pairing of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson back into the playoffs.
The NBA Draft is coming, and more trades should shape out within the next few days. This is just one of many more to take place.
Stay tuned.