The LA Clippers have acquired Eric Bledsoe from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu, announced Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations.
“We are excited to add Eric, a strong, versatile guard and an established playmaker who can attack the paint and defend multiple positions,” said Frank. “Eric started his career with the Clippers and we’re delighted to bring him back.”
Bledsoe has appeared in 702 games (539 starts) and owns career averages of 14.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 28.0 minutes during his 11-year NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and Clippers. Selected 18th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, the 31-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 29.7 minutes over 71 games (70 starts) for New Orleans last season.
“It’s always difficult to part with people we care about, respect and admire,” said Frank. “Pat has been a pillar of our team for the past four years. He helped build our foundation with his vocal leadership and competitive spirit. Pat played a vital role in some of our most significant achievements. We are grateful for his presence and for the contributions of Rajon, a premier orchestrator, and Daniel, a promising young center. We wish them the best.”
Beverley, 33, appeared in 177 games over the last four seasons with the Clippers, averaging 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-1 guard also appeared in 31 postseason games for the Clippers and averaged 6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists. A native of Chicago, Ill., Beverley has been named to three All-Defensive teams and was the recipient of the 2016-17 NBA Hustle Award. Originally selected with the 42nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Beverley has appeared in 468 career NBA games, averaging 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals with the Houston Rockets and Clippers.
Rondo, 35, appeared in 18 games with the Clippers last season and averaged 7.6 points, 5.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds. The 6-foot-1 guard is a two-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star. A native of Louisville, Ky., he has appeared in 918 NBA games, averaging 10.0 points, 8.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals.
Oturu, 21, appeared in 30 games for the Clippers last season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds. The 6-foot-8 center played two seasons at the University of Minnesota, where he appeared in 66 games and averaged 15.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. The Woodbury, Minn., native was named to the 2019-20 Big Ten All-Defensive team and 2019-20 All-Big Ten Second Team.
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