Jonas Valanciunas, Memphis Grizzlies Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA world on Monday when reports confirmed that they would be swapping first-round picks with the New Orleans Pelicans. Specifically, they’d be sending Jonas Valanciunas and both of their picks to the Pelicans in exchange for Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, and two higher picks (plus a 2022 first-rounder).
The Grizzlies making a trade didn’t come as a huge surprise but the trade itself was. Memphis seemed relatively happy, especially with Jonas Valanciunas, who emerged as one of the best centers in the NBA last season.