Grizzlies: Re-grading the Jonas Valanciunas-Eric Bledsoe trade

The Memphis Grizzlies made one of the first high-profile trades of the 2021 offseason when they sent Jonas Valanciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, Steven Adams, and a pair of swapped picks. The Grizzlies also received a 2022 protected first-round pick.

The trade was a bit off from what was originally expected, and generally speaking, it was thought to be a win-win for both sides of the deal. That said, there were fans who weren’t thrilled with this deal, as Memphis had just sent off their most consistent player from the 2020-21 season in JV.

That’s why, if anything, the JV deal wasn’t always thought of as a great one for the Grizzlies. At the very least, it seemed extremely risky.

The Memphis Grizzlies have received more value out of this trade than anybody expected

The more time that passes after this trade, the more this seems like it was a great deal for the Memphis Grizzlies. Here’s why.

At the start of this deal, the Grizzlies were given an aging point guard and a downgrade at the center position to move up a few spots in the first and second rounds of the NBA Draft. It seemed like this deal was entirely dependant on whether or not Ziaire Williams would develop into a strong player.

But now the circumstances have changed.

Stemming from that original deal, the Grizzlies have managed to bring all of the following to Beale Street: Ziaire Williams, Santi Aldama, Steven Adams, Kris Dunn, Carsen Edwards, Daniel Oturu, Jarrett Culver, and Sam Merrill.

But is this still a good deal for both sides? Today, that’s what I’m diving into.