The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies have made a pre-draft day trade, swapping Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, and two future first-round picks, including Thursday’s 10th pick, for Jonas Valanciunas and the 17th pick.
ESPN confirmed the trade, citing the Pelicans are creating financial flexibility with the aim to match offer sheets for Lonzo Ball and potentially make a run at stars like Kyle Lowry. The Pelicans now have as much as $36 million in salary-cap space.
Last year, Valanciunas averaged 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds across 28.3 minutes per game.
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