The Memphis Grizzlies move to the 10th spot in the 2021 NBA Draft post their trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Advertisement
With only a few days left for the 2021 NBA Draft, The New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies seemed to have caused a bit of storm in the NBA circles in the first pre-draft big trade.
Breaking down the trade, the Pelicans sent Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, the Nos. 10 and 40 picks in the 2021 draft, plus a top-10 and a protected 2022 first-round to the Grizzlies.
While the Pelicans received Jonas Valanciunas and this year’s Nos. 17 and 51 draft picks. The trade saw a lot of winners and losers concerning what the 2021 draft has to offer.
It’s clear that the Pelicans want to win now, and adding Valanciunas gives them the perfect fit along with Zion Williamson. Valanciunas is not only a force inside the paint but can also shoot the 3.
Memphis Grizzlies had a great season this year, beating the likes of Spurs and Warriors in the play-in tournament. However, the team lost to the top seed Utah Jazz in the first round.
The 2nd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Ja Morant has been sensational for the Grizzlies. The 21-year old is an athletic freak who can shoot the ball as well.
The Grizzlies want to do everything in their capacity to provide aid to Morant, especially when it comes to shooting.
Top 3 prospects for the Memphis Grizzlies in the upcoming 2021 NBA Draft
The Grizzlies made a bold move by trading their center Jonas Valanciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans. The team is looking to add some depth to their backcourt alongside Morant.
Below are some of the prospects that could join Ja Morant and co in the upcoming 2021-22 season
Josh Giddey
The 6’8″ guard from Australia is one of the draft’s best passers and has a great play-making ability. Josh is one of most upcoming players in the NBL, a top basketball league in Australia. The 18-year old could definitely ease some load off, Ja Morant.
Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga, who was viewed as a top 5 pick in the draft for a while, has slipped down a few places, according to various reports. The 18-year old is an athletic specimen. Kuminga is a potential target for the Grizzlies, as per sources.
Corey Kispert
Kispert was rated in the 95th percentile as a spot-up shooter last season, according to Synergy data, making him an ideal floor-spacing fit next to Ja Morant. Kispert is a 44% shooter from the 3-point line.
