Zach Kleiman is no stranger to draft night trades, and this year was no different as he traded the 16th pick, Orlando's 2028 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks to the Portland Trail Blazers to select Cedric Coward at number 11. While that move goes against the Grizzlies' position of vaulting into a title contender and limiting their books to renegotiate and extend Jaren Jackson Jr., they couldn't pass on an intriguing prospect at a position of need.
Coward recently worked out for the Grizzlies earlier this week and is listed at 6'6" with a 7'2" wingspan. He is coming off an injury-shortened season at Washington State (fits the Grizzlies' fortunes) but offers versatility as a plus defender with upside and was a nearly 39% shooter from three in his three seasons playing Division I basketball (played at Eastern Washington previously).
He will be 22 years old when the regular season begins, which means the Grizzlies must view him as a player who can be plugged in right away. His value as a high upside wing showed that the Grizzlies' general manager will always prioritize just that when selecting on draft night.
Zach Kleiman will always trade for his guy
The Grizzlies have been a consistent candidate to trade up in the draft since Zach Kleiman took over as the general manager in 2019. He traded up in the first round to select Brandon Clarke that season, and has continued that trend every year except last season, when he traded up in the second round to draft Cam Spencer instead.
It is no secret that Memphis needs more veterans, especially on the wing, where they already have young players in Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, and Vince Williams Jr. However, when a player of Coward's caliber is available, Kleiman will always make the relevant move to acquire the player he wants.
Only time will tell if this pick will help the Grizzlies vault into a championship contender, but you have to respect that Kleiman knows what he wants and will trade up to take that player more times than not on draft night.