The Hypothetical Trade

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, F Kyle Anderson

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Steven Adams, G Eric Bledsoe, NOP 2021 1st Round Pick, CLE 2022 2nd Round Pick (via NOP)

The Grizzlies are a young team on the rise in the Western Conference, but so are the New Orleans Pelicans. Led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the future is definitely bright for the organization, but they need to add more talents to this roster and guys who can be key secondary contributors. 

Right now, the Pelicans only have Williamson, Ingram, and Lonzo Ball as their three main contributors and everyone else is considered a liability at this point. The Pelicans came up short of making the playoffs and as a result, they will need to be aggressive in their pursuit of more talent in the offseason. 

Steven Adams was acquired by the Pelicans before the start of this season and they signed him to a long-term extension, but he was not a great contributor for them this year and Jonas Valanciunas is exactly the kind of center they need next to Zion and Ingram. 

Not to mention, the Pelicans will actively be looking to trade Eric Bledsoe in the offseason due to him being 31 years old and having $37.5 million left on his contract after this season. New Orleans needs more overall talent on their roster and they definitely upgrade their roster by making this trade with the Grizzlies. 

Now, let’s dive into this trade from each team’s perspective and truly see if this trade makes sense for both the Pelicans and Grizzlies.