Steven Adams traded to Houston for Victor Oladipo, 3 second-round picks: Quick Thoughts
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Memphis Grizzlies have traded Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo and 3 second-round picks for 2024-25 cap flexibility.
So, a trade none of us expected in the slightest: the Memphis Grizzlies have moved on from Steven Adams.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski followed up with this statement about Memphis’ rationale on X:
Grizzlies are creating more salary flexibility and draft assets around a 2024 offseason where they'll get a chance at a high lottery pick and a chance to fortify a contender around Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.
Obviously, it’s a crushing blow to lose Steven Adams, who’s been a glue for the Memphis Grizzlies the prior two seasons. However, a PCL sprain in January 2023 has sidelined him for over a year, as he’s missed all 2023-24 after knee surgery near the beginning of the season.
Some quick hitters on the trade:
The Grizzlies have hit their objective of getting out of the second apron for the 2024-25 season, as Adams for Oladipo trims $12M in salary from next year’s books.
Oladipo will likely not be in Memphis. I’d expect a buyout, which will presumably open a roster spot (hello, GG Jackson?)
The Grizzlies are probably not done with trimming the books done for 2024 flexibility, as they’re still in the luxury tax 1st apron.
I wouldn’t imagine the Grizzlies making this move if any of the following are true: A) Adams was going to return to pre-injury levels, B) they can’t find a suitable upgrade at the center spot. Again, I don’t think they’re done.
Trading Steven Adams over Brandon Clarke is a small reflection of their belief in Clarke’s ability to bounce back. They couldn’t risk betting on both players to be healthy and near their pre-injury production next season.
Wojnarowski also reported the Grizzlies will have two 2024 second-round picks and a 2025 second-round pick. The Grizzlies have utilized second round picks to trade up for Brandon Clarke, Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman, Santi Aldama. Draft Vince Williams and GG Jackson. Trade for Luke Kennard. Cool!
Are we about to see full-time Jaren Jackson Jr. at the 5?
Now we pivot to another big man search — whether it’s trades or the draft.
Steven Adams was a blast to cover. He was a thrilling wild card in the media — pivoting from hilarious to insightful in a matter of seconds, and doing so with candidness. Can we reminiscence on how he picked up a grown man — another 7-foot, 250-pound man — across the court like nothing? His skillset connecting pieces together for the Grizzlies was a fascinating development to cover and analyze. He blossomed more as a playmaker, and his crushing screens and his imposing presence on the glass elevated the team — specifically its young core — so much.
In 118 games with the Grizzlies, Adams averaged 7.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He also holds the franchise-record for on/off differential, as the Grizzlies were 8.74 points per 100 possessions better with Adams on the floor — per Steven Adams stats guru, and beloved Grizz Twitter/X member Funaki Stats (we’ll miss you).
It’s a tough trade, one that saw a beloved player on his way out. It’s also one where we’ll need to see how the rest of the dominos fall before we really judge it.
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