Subscribe
Follow Us
The Memphis Grizzlies will be missing the services of newly acquired center Jonas Valanciunas when they go up against the New Orleans Pelicans.
According to Grizzlies reporter Mike Wallace, the big man is dealing with some immigration issues.
New Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas won't be available tonight vs Pelicans. Hearing routine Immigration paperwork processing couldn't get completed until after trade was completely official, which was today. Jonas expected to be available for Tuesday's home game.
The Grizzlies acquired Valanciunas, together with Delon Wright and CJ Miles from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Marc Gasol. Wallace added that both Wright and Miles are expected to suit up for Memphis.
This particular immigration processing was specific to Jonas, from my understanding. Delon Wright and C.J. Miles, who also came over in the trade from Toronto, are expected to be available tonight against the Pelicans.
Memphis decided to begin their plans to rebuild by putting both Gasol and Mike Conley on the trading block. After negotiating with several teams, the Grizzlies eventually unloaded the former, while the latter remained with the team as the trade deadline passed.
Valanciunas hasn't played an NBA game since December 12, 2018 because of a dislocated thumb. However, the six-year veteran was already medically cleared and was scheduled to play for the Raptors against the Hawks before the trade happened.
It is unclear at this point if Valanciunas will be a part of the Grizzlies' long-term plans, but he is expected to play significant amount of minutes with the team for the remainder of the season.
