January 12, 2015
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has acquired forward Quincy Pondexter and a future second round draft pick from the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal including the Boston Celtics. In exchange, New Orleans has traded guard Austin Rivers to Boston and guard Russ Smith to Memphis. As additional components of the trade, Boston has acquired forward Tayshawn Prince and a future first round draft pick from Memphis, and Memphis has acquired forward Jeff Green from Boston.
"The New Orleans Pelicans are thrilled to welcome back a high character person like Quincy Pondexter to our organization, said Dell Demps, General Manager of the Pelicans. "Quincy is a two-way player, a multi-position defender that will add toughness along with an offensive skill set that we anticipate will help the Pelicans win games."
"It was difficult to trade Austin Rivers and Russ Smith", said Demps. "Russ was only with the team for a short time while Austin is an intense competitor that is continuing to improve. We will miss Austin and Russ on and off the court. We thank Austin and Russ for their contributions and wish them success in the future."
Pondexter, 6-6, 225, Washington, appeared in 30 games this season with Memphis, holding averages of 4.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. This will be Pondexter’s second stint with New Orleans, as he spent his rookie season with the franchise during the 2010-11 season, appearing in 66 games and averaging 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds. In his five seasons, Pondexter holds career averages of 4.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 234 games.
Rivers, 6-4, 200, Duke, was originally selected by New Orleans with the 10th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Rivers has appeared in 165 games, holding career averages of 6.9 points, 2.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds. Rivers appeared in 35 games this season for the Pelicans, averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 assists and 1.9 rebounds.
Smith, 6-0, 165, Louisville, was acquired by New Orleans in a draft night trade this past June after being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 47th overall pick. The rookie guard appeared in six games this season for the Pelicans, averaging 0.8 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists.