Pelicans To Trade Austin Rivers, Acquire Quincy Pondexter In 3 Team Deal

According to multiple reports, the New Orleans Pelicans have agreed in principle to trade guard Austin Rivers to the Boston Celtics as part of a 3 team trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies.

New Orleans will receive Grizzlies small forward Quincy Pondexter (6'6, 225 lbs) in the deal. Pondexter (pictured left), a 5 year pro out of Washington, was traded on draft night in 2010 by the Oklahoma City Thunder to the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans).

In his rookie season with New Orleans, Pondexter appeared in 66 games, starting in 1, averaging 2.8 points for the season. He was traded the next offseason to Memphis for point guard Greivis Vasquez on the eve of the 2011-2012 lockout shortened season. He has been part of a postseason team every year of his career to this point.

Memphis receives small forward Jeff Green from Boston, while the Celtics get Tayshaun Prince from the Grizzlies.

Marc Stein of espn is also reporting that rookie Pelicans point guard Russ Smith will be sent to the Grizzlies in exchange for a second round pick as part of the deal.

Rivers time in the Crescent City appeared to be numbered after the Pelicans declined to pick up the 4th year option on his rookie deal for the 2015-16 season.

In his time with the Hornets/Pelicans, Rivers was given ample opportunity to make an impact, but never could consistently make a positive one.

In 169 game appearances, Rivers shot 39% from the field, averaging 6.9 points per game.

He was quick off the dribble, but struggled to finish in the paint. He also struggled at the free throw line, shooting 63% from the charity stripe.