...and so it begins, the first trade of this offseason is in:
source: https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1419756065625972747Memphis 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.
Grizzlies are moving 7 spots up in the draft while absorbing two bad contracts (Adams and Bledsoe). I'm not sure what to make out of this trade, i don't particularly like it for Memphis, but i imagine they have someone in mind to move up in the draft. I'd like to see them play without a typical big man next season, which means Jaren Jackson Jr. at the five, unlikely to happen though.
As for the Pels side of things, it's a good trade, getting rid of bad contracts and opening up cap space. Lonzo will be a restricted free agent, so their roster could have a completely new look come next season. It'll be interesting to see who they bring in to play alongside Ingram and Zion, don't forget they also have a rookie head coach, Willie Green. So, a lot of question marks ahead for New Orleans...
The NBA draft is this Thursday, July 29, we should see more trades being done in the upcoming days.