Memphis Grizzlies named a team to watch for moving up in the NBA Draft

The 2022 NBA Draft is quickly approaching and the Memphis Grizzlies have some big decisions to make as to what they do with the No. 22, No. 29 and No. 47 overall picks they currently possess.

Things may become a little more clear in the next couple of weeks, especially since there’s some fresh intel from Sam Vecenie and John Hollinger of The Athletic that highlights the Memphis Grizzlies as one of four teams that are “expected to try and move up in the draft.”

According to multiple reports, teams like Sacramento (No. 4) and Portland (No. 7) are more interested in getting a veteran in lieu of drafting a rookie, making them ideal trade partners for teams looking to move up.

Memphis Grizzlies may look to trade up into top of the 2022 NBA Draft

The Grizzlies have proven time after time in the Zach Kleiman-era they are not afraid to trade-up to draft a player they covet. They identify the talent they want and swing a deal to put themselves in a position to draft said player.

We saw that with Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, and Ziaire Williams in recent drafts— all products of the Grizzlies wheeling and dealing to acquire picks used to draft said players.

Who could the Grizzlies be targeting in the top of the lottery?

It’s a little too early to say, but based off need, you could circle guys like Jayden Ivey, (who’s game mirrors that of Ja Morant), Jalen Duren, (one of the most athletic players in the draft), or Keegan Murray (a three-and-D type player that can score against and guard multiple positions) as players the team could be keeping an eye on.

All of those players could fill needs and be part of a core that solidly includes superstar Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson, Jr.

LATEST MOCK DRAFT: Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft 1.0

If the Grizzlies trade up to No. 4 or No. 7 in this year’s draft, most of the aforementioned players will be available. The draft really starts with pick No. 4. There’s near universal agreement that Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Paolo Banchero are all going to go in some order of the first three picks.

In order to swing a trade into the four to seven range, the Grizzlies will likely have to part with both of this year’s first-round picks and 1-2 players at a minimum. We’ve included one such scenario in a recent hypothetical Dillon Brooks trade with Portland that can be seen here.

It’s going to be an interesting couple of weeks leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft. We’ll keep an eye on the Grizzlies and what they decide to do.