The Grizzlies have a golden opportunity in this draft, picking at #3, #16, and #32. There have been some conversations about trading up from #16, but an interesting alternative move could be to move up from #32 and get back into the first round. If the Grizzlies want to follow that approach, Tarris Reed Jr. is a great surprise trade-up target worth keeping an eye on in the 2026 NBA Draft.
If history tells us one thing, Zach Kleiman has an extensive track record of trading draft picks every year. Grizzlies fans should not worry about the #3 pick being traded, but it is worth considering the idea that the #16 or #32 picks could be moved in different trade-up scenarios.
The Grizzlies should be looking to get the best player available regardless of position, but Tarris Reed Jr. would be a welcome boost to a Grizzlies team badly needing frontcourt depth.
The Grizzlies will likely trade up at least once this summer
Truthfully, with how strong the 2026 NBA Draft is and how much the Grizzlies want to fast-track their rebuild, trading up from #16 seems more likely than #32. For now, let's consider the possibility that the Grizzlies stay at #3 and #16 and get the players they want.
An interesting example the Grizzlies could follow was trading up in the 2021 NBA Draft to select Santi Aldama 30th overall. The Grizzlies gave up pick #40 and two future second-round picks to get back into the first round to select Aldama. If the Grizzlies want to use #32 to move up into the 20s, they could follow a similar framework, or players could be included in a deal with the team they trade with.
Tarris Reed Jr. makes so much sense for the Grizzlies
Tarris Reed Jr. has been projected to go in the early second round in some mocks, but it's looking more likely that he will be selected late in the first round. FanSided's 2026 NBA Draft Big Board has Tarris Reed Jr. as the 25th best prospect in this year's draft.
Zach Edey has shown significant signs of being an impactful player already, but the Grizzlies struggled badly with him off the floor last season. Tarris Reed Jr. can be a key factor in solving the non-Edey minutes right away. Reed Jr. brings winning experience and had a tremendous senior season, leading UConn to be runners-up in this year's NCAA Tournament.
Listed at 6 foot 11 and 265 pounds, Reed Jr. is a strong traditional big also possessing an impressive 7 foot 4 inch wingspan. The Grizzlies badly need physicality in the frontcourt and another option that is capable of rebounding and providing quality rim protection. Reed Jr. checks those boxes, although he will have to grow as a shooter and avoid foul trouble.
The Grizzlies should be looking to increase the talent level of the roster as much as possible while they continue to rebuild. Trading up from #16 is more likely, but there could be a surprise opportunity to trade up from #32 and select a player like Tarris Reed Jr.
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