3 implications of the Memphis Grizzlies’ trade with the Pelicans

Implication No. 2: The Memphis Grizzlies technically got a downgrade in Steven Adams but it’s not as bad as you think

Even though the logic behind it makes sense, trading Jonas Valanciunas for Steven Adams is such a strange thing to do. In every way, these two players are as similar as two NBA players come. They earn a similar amount of money, have a similar physical presence in the paint, and both look like they could compete for the role of Aquaman.

There’s no way around it — Memphis downgraded by moving from Jonas Valanciunas to Steven Adams. It’s the harsh truth but after the year JV had in 2020-21, there’s no denying that he’s a top-5 center.

That said, they got a slightly younger player with a stronger defensive presence. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll stick around for the long term, but the Grizzlies could extend Adams on a relatively friendly contract.

Memphis will, however, lose a lot of production on the offensive end, as the New Zealander only averaged 7.6 points per game as opposed to JV.’s 17.1. Even though he’s working on it, Adams is also currently unable to shoot the 3-pointer effectively. Valanciunas wasn’t a sniper but he stretched the floor from time to time.

That said, Steven Adams played the best basketball of his career alongside Russell Westbrook, arguably the league’s most similar player to Ja Morant. In all likelihood, it won’t take long for these two players to build chemistry.