The Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets made a trade Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies are sending away veteran center Steven Adams in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The picks are reportedly two 2024 selections and one in 2025.
If a trade is defined by what impact its players have made lately, this isn’t a very large trade. In fact, it might be near zero by that parameter, as neither Adams nor Oladipo has played at all this season.
Adams isn’t expected to play this season after undergoing knee surgery to repair a torn PCL, which he sustained Jan. 22, 2023. Oladipo still has yet to make his season debut after tearing his left patellar tendon in last year’s NBA playoffs.
This is actually Oladipo’s third trade since that injury, as he was moved from the Miami Heat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, then to the Rockets last offseason.
The picks going back to Memphis reflect Adams being the more valuable asset here, as he remains under contract for next season on a $12.6 million cap hit, while Oladipo is a free agent. Adams is also known for providing leadership even when not on the court, which is something a fairly young Houston team could still use.
When healthy, Adams figures to slide in as a backup big man behind rising star Alperen Şengün.
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.