Sat, Aug 7, 2021 at 6:15pm

VALANCIUNAS FOR ADAMS

In a three-team trade, the New Orleans Pelicans acquired center Jonas Valanciunas and guard/forward Trey Murphy from the Memphis Grizzlies, and guard Devonte' Graham from the Charlotte Hornets; Memphis acquired center Steven Adams, guard Eric Bledsoe, forward Ziaire Williams and a protected first-round draft pick in 2022 from the Pelicans; and Charlotte acquired guard/forward Wes Iwundu and a protected first-round draft pick in 2022 from the Pelicans, and guard Tyler Harvey from the Grizzlies.

What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
In Valanciunas, the Pelicans land a quality center who is a better scorer than Adams (though he is one year older than the latter). The motivation here for New Orleans was to unload Bledsoe's contract, while also seeking better frontcourt chemistry with star power forward Zion Williamson. Graham is also a nice addition to the Pels, who recently lost Lonzo Ball to Chicago. Graham may start at point guard in '21-22.

What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are not expected to keep Bledsoe, so this trade is mostly about the center swap and the picks involved. Adams will not score as much as Valanciunas did for Memphis, but he could be a better fit with star point guard Ja Morant. That is the hope for the Grizz here. Williams may not see much playing time as rookies in 2021-22, so this deal is more about the future for Memphis.

What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets dealt away Graham mostly because they were suddenly deep at both guard positions, led by LaMelo Ball, '21 first-rounder James Bouknight, '21 second-rounder Scottie Lewis, free agent pickup Kelly Oubre Jr. and more. Iwundu and Harvey may add to that guard depth, too.

Fantasy impact
Valanciunas may have to take a lesser offensive role with New Orleans, so his fantasy stock might take a hit after this trade. Graham's value should remain steady in New Orleans. Adams' role should remain the same with the Grizzlies, while Bledsoe's status is now very much up in the air. Do not overrate Valanciunas on draft day, while Adams is more of a consideration for deep leagues. Avoid Bledsoe for the time being. Draft Graham comfortably. As for the likes of Murphy, Williams and Harvey, they are mostly keeper-league options only at this point. Iwundu's value is negligible.