Los Angeles Clippers acquire Eric Bledsoe from Memphis Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Clippers have acquired point guard Eric Bledsoe in exchange for Rajon Rondo, Patrick Beverley and Daniel Oturu, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal redirects Bledsoe to the Clippers after a previous offseason trade sent him from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The deal sends a pair of former Kentucky guards in opposite directions as Bledsoe and Rondo head to new teams.
What the Clippers receive
Bledsoe is entering his 12th NBA season after playing for John Calipari’s first Kentucky team in 2009. The 6-foot-1, 214-pound guard was drafted No. 18 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the Clippers. Bledsoe played three seasons with the team before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2013.
He averages 14 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in his career, playing for four different teams. Bledsoe struggled in his only season with the Pelicans, averaging 12.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
He rejoins the Clippers, who recently re-signed star forward Kawhi Leonard to a four-year deal. The team also brings back all-star forward Paul George and starting center Ivica Zubac from its 47-25 team last season.
The Clippers also gain financial relief in the deal. Sending Beverley and Rondo to the Grizzlies in the final year of their deals will save $30 million in taxes and create an $8.3 million trade exception to use later.
What the Grizzlies receive
The Grizzlies acquire a pair of veteran guards in Rondo and Beverley. The two players have played a key role for title contenders over the past several years and provide leadership to one of the NBA’s youngest teams.
Memphis also receives salary cap flexibility in 2022 by acquiring three expiring deals, putting them in position to sign potential free agents next season.
Rondo is entering his 16th NBA season after playing for Tubby Smith at Kentucky. He was a key piece of the Boston Celtics 2008 NBA Championship and served as a backup on the Los Angeles Lakers 2020 NBA Championship team.
Beverley has made a living on the defensive end, averaging 1.1 steals per game in his career. The former Arkansas star spent time overseas before becoming a three-time All-Defensive team member.
The Grizzlies also acquire 6-foot-8 center Daniel Oturu, a former Minnesota player who played in 30 games as a rookie.
According to Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies are considering further trades which would condense the roster.