When news of the trade that sent Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo, and Patrick Oturu to Memphis for Eric Bledsoe began circulating on social media, many fans were caught by surprise. Bledsoe was simply not discussed as a serious trade target for the Clippers as of late, and the loss of Patrick Beverley is something fans will mourn. Some speculate that the trade was simply for financial reasons (check out the roster and contract implications here), or to grant the team flexibility in case a bigger move could be made in the near future.
Regardless of the true intentions behind the trade, Bledsoe’s return to Los Angeles could have real, visible impacts on the court that will help the team.