3 prospects the Grizzlies must target if they trade up into the NBA Draft lottery

With the NBA Draft being a little over a week away and the NBA Finals coming to a close, the offseason is set to become officially underway. The NBA Draft is vital for many teams as they attempt to turn their franchise's future in the right direction. The Memphis Grizzlies are one of those teams that aim to transition into a new era with their #3 overall pick. Memphis also has the 16th and 32nd picks in this draft. Recent history shows that General Manager Zach Kleiman is likely to move up in the draft to acquire a second lottery pick. 

Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel also reported on June 8 that Kleiman is trying to package the #16 pick and other assets to move up in the draft. Here are the top three trade-up targets that Memphis should aim to acquire in the 2026 draft.

3. Kingston Flemings

Kingston Flemings’ current draft stock slots him in the 8-10 range. Flemings is a solid floor general who excels at many things on the floor. He’s a capable passer and can score effectively at all three levels. He shoots well from the mid-range and shot 38.7% from three last season. He’s also an above-average on-ball defender who has the athleticism to make plays in passing lanes. That athleticism, combined with his elite speed, helps him get past defenders easily and is effective at attacking the rim.

Flemings has the unique ability to impact the game with his passing as much as with his scoring. He has an all-around game that allows him to mesh well with anyone he plays with. If selected, Flemings will be in a situation where he can defer to the other shot makers in Memphis while still being a threat offensively because he wouldn’t be the main option on the floor. His skill set, plus playing alongside potentially Cameron Boozer, Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells, could be a match made in heaven.

2. Morez Johnson Jr.

Morez Johnson Jr. could be selected anywhere between the mid-to-late lottery. Last season for Michigan, he averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He has a strong 6’9 frame that has the athleticism to guard multiple positions. He’s effective at being a roller and a cutter in offensive sets, a staple of head coach Tuomas Iisalo's offense. Johnson was also dominant on the inside as he shot 62.3% from the field. 

If selected, Johnson would give Memphis much-needed frontcourt depth. He constantly plays with high energy and would bring the grit and toughness that every competitive team needs. If and when he grows his overall offensive game, he will be a valuable asset going forward. 

1. Darius Acuff Jr. 

Darius Acuff Jr. is the best guard in the draft, and it's not close. He was a First-Team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, winner of the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award, and was the first player since Pete Maravich to lead the SEC in both scoring and assists. Acuff is an offensive engine who can score at an elite level from all over the floor, with franchise point guard written all over him. 

He elevates the players around him. He plays with a poise, pace, and control that is rare in young guards. He has everything you need in a player that a team would hand the keys to the franchise to. His size and defensive weakness are overblown. If selected, he will be surrounded by capable defenders in Coward, Wells, and Edey that will make Acuff’s life easier when guarding other elite guards. If there’s one player Memphis must select if he’s on the board, it's Acuff. 

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