Jons Valančūns Photo: NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) teams Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans have swapped. As part of this, Memphis has sent the Lithuanian center Jonas Valančūnas and 17th and 51st choices of this year’s draft to New Orleans, but in return received Steven Adams, Erik Bledso, as well as 10th and 40th choices in this year’s draft, as well as the first round choice in 2022. new talent ceremony.
With this transaction, Pelicans freed up significant resources under the wage ceiling. Adams and Bledso both have active contracts until 2023. Adams will have to pay $ 17 million and $ 17.9 million over the next two years, and $ 18.1 million and $ 19.4 million for Bledso. Meanwhile, Valanchun will have the last year of the contract, during which he will receive 14 million dollars.
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
ESPN reporter Adrian Vodzhnarovsky writes that New Orleans has freed up space in wage resources to fight for a free agent, such as Kail Laurie, or to sign a new contract with Lonzo Bol. Also, “Pelicans” are more sympathetic to Valanchun than Adams’ game. ESPN salary expert Bobby Marx says the deal will be approved when the Grizzlies relinquish Justis Winslow’s “team option” to free up space for salary resources for Bledso and Adams.
In order to carry out such a transaction, Pelicans had to exchange options 10 and 40 for Grizzlies 17 and 51. spade. In this year’s draft, which will take place on the night of July 30, the Pelicans have slipped lower, while the talented Grizzlies have improved their position. Memphis will also have a choice for the first round of 2022.
Kevin O’Conor, a reviewer for The Ringer, believes the change is logical for both units, stressing that Walanchun will fit much better next to Zion Williamson than Adams. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have a great chance to get a talented player in the draft with number 10, which would match well with the club leader Temetrius Morant.
I like this for both. Jonas V is really good, tough, and shoots 3s. Much better fit for the Pelicans next to Zion. But man, I can’t wait to see what the Grizzlies do at #10. Memphis has hit on every draft pick in recent years. Tons of talent available mid-lotto that fits with Ja. https://t.co/gHoXkyo8CI
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 26, 2021
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