The Grizzlies and the Pelicans completed a blockbuster deal. The Pelicans sent out Adams, Bledsoe, the 10th pick in the first round of this year, the 4th pick in the second round of this year, and the protected first-round draft in 2022 Right (from the Lakers). The Grizzlies sent Varan, this year's 17th pick and this year's second round of 51st.
This deal allows the Grizzlies to be ranked from 17th to 10th in the 2021 draft. In a year when the overall quality of the draft is higher, the Grizzlies can find a player for and Morant. A talented partner. At the same time, the Grizzlies have a high probability of having three first-round picks in 2022. In addition to their own picks, they also include protected picks from the jazz and the Lakers.
Only looking at book transactions, the Pelicans are undoubtedly the one that has the advantage. Adams and Bledsoe have already secured their premium contracts. After these two burdens are removed, the Pelicans can play in the offseason. Fist. At the same time, Varan differs from Adams’ blue-collar attributes. Varan averaged 28.3 minutes per game last season, contributed 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds in , and shot a career-high 59.2% from the field.
Varan is the best center forward that the Pelicans can reach, with 1.03 points per round with a low back and 4 points per game with a back. Not only can Varan eat pie, he also has a low offensive ability that Adams can't match. This ability is the key to the Grizzlies' ability to maintain 55.8 points per game inside last season (the league's first). Last season, the Pelicans scored 54.4 points on the inside (second in the league). With Varan, the Pelicans’ deterrence on the inside will be unprecedentedly improved.
In addition, Varan is not only able to drill hard on the inside, but also has a certain projection threat from the three-point line. Although Varan shot few three-pointers and his shooting percentage was not high, at least he was a threat from standing outside the three-point line. There is a three-point threat and can open up the space, then Zion can attack the basket as much as possible.
sent Bledsoe away,Alexander Walker and Jr. Lewis can get more playing time, and the Pelicans have up to 36 million U.S. dollars in salary space in the free market this year. Even if Bauer leaves and Hart is left, the Pelicans still have a salary of 25 million, and the Pelicans will have a very flexible operating space.
After this transaction is completed, the Pelicans will then need to deal with the issue of Ingram . It is a fact that Zion has more possession of the ball. Ingram cannot willingly assist Zion, so the Pelicans only need to send Ingram away in exchange for some players who can improve the offensive space of the Pelicans to maximize the release. Zion attacked the power of the inside line, so that the Pelicans lineup took shape. At present, it is reported that Ingram really wants to go to the Heat, and the Heat also offered the Pelicans Dun Luo, Shiro and a second round sign. Of course, the Pelicans would definitely refuse such an offer. The two sides are still in a bargaining session. Being able to go to the Heat is a good choice for both parties.
For the Grizzlies, sending away Wa Lan is a difficult decision, after all, Wa Lan is the "real thigh" of the Grizzlies regular season. Of course, Varan is not perfect, especially the lack of defense and small ability. In an environment like the West, the best situation for the Grizzlies to retain this lineup is just to make the second round.
Next season is Varan’s contract year. ’s 45 million Varan contributions in 3 years will be double 20. From the perspective of the effect last season, there is no doubt that Varan is the actual second master of the Grizzlies. If Varan remains in the new season This kind of play continues, next year's offseason guarantee can get a big contract with a starting salary of more than 2500. Obviously, the Grizzlies are unwilling to pay this money, after all, with a maximum of one sign, they will reach the second round of the playoffs. And the Grizzlies actually have no room. In the future, the Grizzlies will leave Morant and Jr. Jaren-Jackson at the same time. Basically, only one of Varan and Anderson may be retained, and taxes will also be required. , In order to pay taxes for the second round of the playoffs cap, which is obviously not cost-effective.
This trade will make the Grizzlies lose the possibility of entering the playoffs again in the new season.After all, the Grizzlies directly sent the powerful center Wa Lan to the rival Pelicans, while the Western Trail Blazers have not yet dismantled the team, and the Warriors are still racking their brains to reinforce. It's a pity that you can't make the playoffs, but for the Grizzlies, cultivating new talents is the top priority.
Can you sign an All-Star star if you leave the salary space? The tragedy of the small ball market is that it has poor attractiveness. Now that I have Morant and Jr. Jaren Jackson, I will go all out to train them, and then by raising the draft this year, I will try to get a good seed. Only in this way can the Grizzlies get better. Good appearance on the playoff stage.
As for the two premium contracts of Bledsoe and Adams, the former can be used for sale. After all, the last year's contract only has a guarantee of 3.9 million. Adams is a meat shield center no matter how bad he is, and he can help the Grizzlies to fight inside. Although he does not have the hard chisel ability of Varan, it usually takes 8-9 seconds for Varan to go low. It is too compressed in today's small ball era. Time is up.
Without a low-level, hard-cut big center, Morant and Dillon's usage rate will increase, even if this will cause the Grizzlies' winning rate to decline, but as long as the winning rate can be used for growth, why not do it? Next year, the Grizzlies will play three first-round picks. As long as the newcomers grow up to expectations, will they still be afraid that the deal will not come with outstanding immediate combat power? Don't just think about the current gains and losses in the small ball market, focus on the future is fundamental.
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