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The Memphis Grizzlies have traded guard Eric Bledsoe to the Los Angeles Clippers for Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
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
In dealing both Beverley, 33, and Rondo, 35, the Clippers open up playing time for Bledsoe, 31, who last season played 71 of a possible 72 games. They also reduce their luxury tax bill while bringing the roster down to 15 players.
The Grizzlies receive a hard-nosed defender in Beverley and two-time champion point guard Rondo, 35 to support young star Ja Morant, while also kicking the tires on a 21-year-old prospect in Oturu.
Bledsoe started his career with the Clippers in 2010 when he was drafted by current Portland Trail Blazers President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey.
After leaving the Clippers in 2013, he had stints with the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks before being sent to the New Orleans Pelicans in the blockbuster Jrue Holiday trade. He was dealt to the Grizzlies last month for a trade involving multiple players and picks.