Grizzly Pelicans trade ‘dead weight’ Adams
Kiwi NBA star Steven Adams is set to be traded by the New Orleans Pelicans to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The move links the huge centre with 2020 Rookie of the Year Ja Morant, reports ESPN.
Adams joined the Pelicans last year after spending his first seven years in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who drafted him in 2013.
New Orleans had a 31-41 record last season, finishing outside the playoffs. Reflecting on his season, Adams called himself “dead weight”.
Down from his recent campaigns with the Thunder, Adams’ field goal attempts declined and he averaged the fewest points per game (7.6) since his rookie season in 2013-14 (3.3). His total rebounding numbers also took a hit.
Once a max-contract player in Oklahoma City, his latest contract drops him from US$27.5 million to US$17m next season.
The trade is part of a package that sends Jonas Valanciunas and the No 17 pick in Thursday’s draft to New Orleans.
The teams will swap starting centres, while Eric Bledsoe will also go to Memphis. The Grizzlies get the No 10 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and the Lakers’ top-10-protected pick in 2022 from New Orleans.
The Pelicans are essentially punting on the Adams-Zion Williamson frontcourt pairing in favour of going with a more space-able option in Valanciunas.
In Memphis, Adams will have a good chance to fill Valanciunas’ spot in the starting five, as he projects as a better fit alongside a floor spacer such as Jaren Jackson.