With the NBA draft closing in, the Pelicans’ bid to offload Eric Bledsoe appears to be gaining steam. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported on Sunday that New Orleans and Memphis have gained traction on a deal that would send Bledsoe and the No. 10 pick to the Grizzlies for the No. 17 pick.
“Sources said the Pelicans have generated traction with the Grizzlies in a framework that would swap that 10th selection for the 17th pick while also sending Eric Bledsoe back to Memphis.”
This report comes a day after ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, on his latest podcast, indicated that the No. 10 pick was up for grabs as the Pelicans strive to move Bledsoe in a trade this offseason as well as potentially Steven Adams.
“I think both those picks are very much in play. New Orleans, they’re going to try to get, certainly, Bledsoe’s contract off and we’ll see what they do with Steven Adams. They traded for him, they signed him to an extension. We’ll see how he fits in here as they put their team together next year. But no one is just taking that Bledsoe deal off your hands so part of a deal…you’re attaching the 10th pick.”
After a disappointing season in New Orleans, Bledsoe serieems most likely to be dealt. Freeing up the $18.1 million due to Bledsoe next season could help the team put together an offer for Kyle Lowry, who they value greatly, according to a report from The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor in the last week.
If the Pelicans are also desperate to shed Adams’ deal, netting the No. 17 pick back in a deal for Bledsoe could also serve as a sweetener in an Adams trade. Unlike Bledsoe, Adams has positive trade value. While his season wasn’t as disappointing as Bledsoe’s, Adam’s fit with the Pelicans long-term next to Zion Williamson appears less than ideal.
Theoretically, trading away Bledsoe and/or Adams would open up money to re-sign Lonzo Ball this offseason, but the Pelicans seem content to allow the restricted free agent to walk if an offer sheet is too high.