Amid a quiet free agency, the Los Angeles Clippers finally made their first big move: trading defensive-minded point guard Patrick Beverley.
The deal, which was reported earlier today, saw the Clippers send Bev (and several other veteran players) to Memphis in exchange for Eric Bledsoe.
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu to the Memphis Grizzlies for guard Eric Bledsoe, sources tell ESPN.
The Grizzlies, with an already packed roster, are open-minded on the futures of all three players in Memphis — and will likely consider trades with some of those arriving in this deal. Memphis gets salary cap flexibility in the summer of 2022 with trade.
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu to the Memphis Grizzlies for guard Eric Bledsoe, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 16, 2021
The Grizzlies, with an already packed roster, are open-minded on the futures of all three players in Memphis — and will likely consider trades with some of those arriving in this deal. Memphis gets salary cap flexibility in the summer of 2022 with trade.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 16, 2021
11-year veteran Eric Bledsoe has a history with the Clippers. During his three years with the franchise, he grew into a solid backup guard, eventually going on to average 20.4 points per game for Phoenix years later.
He’ll be welcomed back to LA with open arms, though it remains to be seen what kind of impact he’ll have.
For Bev, going from a contending team to a young, rebuilding squad can’t be easy, but he seems pretty pumped about his new situation.
Here’s what he posted on Twitter:
Grit and Grind. Let’s GO
Grit and Grind. Let’s GO🏀🏀
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) August 16, 2021
At 33-years-old, Beverley is at the back end of his career and it’s very possible that Memphis becomes his final stop.
In the meantime, though, he will be helping a Grizzlies team looking to take that next step in the West.
Behind the play of Ja Morant, an emerging star in the NBA, the Grizzlies are very much on the rise and might just be a piece or two away from being a real threat in the Conference.
Pat’s defense, leadership, and energy will no doubt help guide the youngsters as they develop their game, and Memphis should only get better as their players improve and they add veterans who can produce at the highest level.
