Memphis Grizzlies likely calling these 5 teams about draft trade-up
We’re in the 11th hour before the 2022 NBA Draft and rumors have been swirling that the Memphis Grizzlies are actively trying to move up in the draft.
Post-lottery, the Grizzlies were awarded the No. 22 overall pick (via prior trade with the Utah Jazz) and the No. 29 overall pick. Memphis will also have the No. 47 overall pick (a second-round selection from a prior trade).
They could package these picks and/or current players on the roster to get veteran help or someone they covet at the top of their internal draft board. They have a ton of flexibility and seem to be open to evaluating any and all proposals.
We’re taking a look at a few different scenarios that could play out in the hours before the 2022 NBA Draft.
Will the Memphis Grizzlies trade for Sacramento’s No. 4 overall pick?
This is a scenario that I talked about a couple of weeks ago, here.
A ton of teams are calling the Kings right now because 1) the consensus No. 4 pick, Jaden Ivey, isn’t super jazzed about playing for the Kings and 2) the word on the street is Sacramento wants established veterans to help elevate an already young, unproven team.
The Grizzlies, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein, would likely have to include Dillon Brooks and/or Brandon Clarke— something a sizeable contingency of Memphis fans will not like.
This seems like the longest shot of any of the trade-up scenarios, but one worthy of notating. It would be pretty wild to have a core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaden Ivey, and Jaren Jackson Jr. A bit guard-heavy, but supremely talented.
Could the Memphis Grizzlies trade for Portland’s No. 7 overall pick
The Blazers are another team rumored to desire a veteran to help improve the team’s chances of winning now and being as competitive as possible during the prime of Damian Lillard’s career.
The ever-loyal Lillard has been patient during his time with Portland, never taking the easy way out by asking for a trade. The least the organization can do is get him some immediate, proven help.
The Grizzlies could deliver that in a package that includes Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton, or Steven Adams. If the Blazers think free agent big man Jusuf Nurkic is on his way out, why not bring in Adams to add some muscle and rebounding for Dame?
The Grizzlies would likely target Duke’s AJ Griffin in this spot, a big wing that can score, defend and shoot the three.
Should the Memphis Grizzlies trade for the Thunder’s No. 12 overall pick?
Might Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti be willing to acquire the No. 22, No. 29, and a future first for the No. 12 in this year’s draft?
Presti is the Michael Jordan of acquiring and holding draft picks, so never rule that out. The very much rebuilding Thunder are trying to cast as wide of a net as possible in trying to “hit” on a draft pick.
While the talent does diminish the further back you go in the draft, the Grizzlies can remind the Thunder that it’s very possible to “hit” on a pick late in the first round (see: Desmond Bane).
Perhaps Jalen Duren, Tati Eason, or Mark Williams might be the target at No. 12 if the Grizzlies are able to strike a deal with the Thunder.