Memphis, December 10, 2008 — The Memphis Grizzlies reacquired its future first round draft pick from the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team deal also involving the New Orleans Hornets, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.
As part of the trade, Memphis sends Javaris Crittenton to Washington and sends future considerations involving a second round draft pick to New Orleans, while the Wizards trade Antonio Daniels to the Hornets in exchange for Mike James.
“We are pleased to reacquire our first round pick from Washington,” Wallace said. “Now we possess all our future first round picks and have complete flexibility, if needed, for future deals. The organization also wishes Javaris all the best with the Wizards.”
Washington originally received Memphis’ future first round pick in a deal that sent Juan Carlos Navarro to the Bluff City on Aug. 17, 2007. Navarro, who was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 82 games last season, signed with his former Spanish club F.C. Barcelona during the summer. The Grizzlies will retain the right to match any free agent offer he receives should he decide to return to the NBA.
Crittenton has posted 2.7 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists on .467 shooting in 6.3 minutes in seven games this season for the Grizzlies. He scored a season-best eight points on Nov. 26 at Utah.
Memphis obtained the 20-year-old from the Los Angeles Lakers along with Kwame Brown, Aaron McKie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol, two first round draft picks (2008 and 2010) and cash considerations on Feb. 1, 2008 in exchange for Pau Gasol and a 2010 second round pick. The 6-5, 200-pound guard made 35 total appearances for Memphis, averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists on .405 shooting in 15.8 minutes.
The 19th overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Crittenton has seen action in 57 games (zero starts) and holds career averages of 5.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists on .423 shooting in 12.7 minutes for the Grizzlies and the Lakers.
The Grizzlies’ roster now stands at 13 players. Memphis will face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at 7 p.m. (CDT) at the Ford Center.