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Grading and ranking each Grizzlies trade so far in the 2021 offseason

By Jack Williams

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies talks with Jonas Valanciunas #17 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies talks with Jonas Valanciunas #17 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Steven Adams, Memphis Grizzlies Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Memphis Grizzlies’ blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans

This trade is aging like a fine wine.

The immediate reaction to this trade was not generally positive. I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little bit disappointed, especially considering the original rumors that had surfaced that Memphis may be able to move up in the first round solely from taking on Eric Bledsoe’s contract. Still, after the dust settled, this one was a net-positive for Memphis, reaping more benefits as each day passes.

The Grizzlies had to ship off Jonas Valanciunas, their most consistent player in 2020-21, but they received a lot in return, including a player that can replace him with minimal dropoff.

In the immediate future, Memphis got a slight downgrade in Steven Adams, and at first, taking on Eric Bledsoe’s contract seemed like an awful play. That said, Memphis has managed to flip Bledsoe for what has now turned into Rajon Rondo, Daniel Oturu, Juancho Hernangomez, and Jarrett Culver. This is the same Bledsoe who was thought to be dead weight in New Orleans.

Memphis also managed to pick up Ziaire Williams at the No. 10 spot, who they would not have been able to draft at their original pick. If he becomes a strong player down the road, this trade will look even better. The 2022 protected first-round pick should end up coming over to Memphis, as the Lakers are destined to be competitive next season.

This trade started a snowball that continues to grow. The value alone that Memphis has drawn from this one is huge. The Grizzlies essentially took a slight downgrade at the center position and it resulted in more benefits than I can fit onto this page. None of the trades above this, all of which are great deals, could have happened without this original trade.

This was a work of art from Zach Kleiman and we didn’t even realize it.

Trade Grade: A

dark. Next. 3 changes to expect from the Grizz in 2021-22

Memphis isn’t done yet, so keep your eyes peeled for more big deals in the future.

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