Memphis trades Greivis Vasquez to New Orleans
MEMPHIS, December 24, 2011 – The Grizzlies acquired guard/forward Quincy Pondexter from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for guard Greivis Vasquez, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.
Pondexter (6-6, 225) comes to Memphis after averaging 13.0 points and 8.5 rebounds in 33.0 minutes in two preseason games against the Grizzlies earlier this month, including a 14-point, 12-rebound performance on Dec. 21. The 23-year-old recorded 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds on .406 shooting in 11.1 minutes in 66 games (six starts) as a rookie with the Hornets last season.
A native of Fresno, Calif., Pondexter left the University of Washington as the school’s career leader in games played (136) and third all-time in scoring (1,786 points), averaging 19.3 points and 7.4 rebounds on .528 shooting in 36 games as a senior with the Huskies.
Originally selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round (26th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft, Pondexter’s rights were acquired by New Orleans in a draft-night deal on June 24, 2010.
Vasquez (6-6, 211) posted 3.6 points and 2.2 assists on .408 shooting in 70 games (one start) as a rookie with the Grizzlies last season. The 2010 ACC Player of the Year at the University of Maryland, the 24-year-old Venezuelan native was selected by Memphis in the first round (28th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft, two picks after Pondexter was selected.