If there is one obvious choice the Grizzlies must make this summer, it's to keep the third overall pick. There have been recent rumblings about the Oklahoma City Thunder being interested in trading up into the top 4 to select Cam Boozer or Caleb Wilson. There was never a reason for the Grizzlies to trade away the pick, but they especially shouldn't consider foolishly strengthening a team like the Thunder.
Beyond just the Grizzlies, there is no reason for Washington, Utah, and Chicago to consider trading outside the top 4. Even worse, why strengthen an Oklahoma City Thunder team that should be a top-2 seed next season and could potentially make the 2027 NBA Finals?
The Grizzlies already have to overcome a young rising San Antonio Spurs team if they want to contend in a few years. On top of that, there is no need to directly improve a Thunder team that won a championship in 2025 and was a win away from this year's NBA Finals despite missing Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
As the Grizzlies enter this year's stacked 2026 NBA Draft, they must come out with a potential franchise cornerstone if they want to significantly speed up their rebuild. Given that fact, there is also no reason for the Grizzlies to unnecessarily jeopardize their chances of reaching the top of the Western Conference.
Despite having significant draft capital and young pieces on the roster already, such as Cedric Coward and Zach Edey, the Grizzlies need to find a player capable of potentially being a #1 option. Trading the third overall pick this summer in a strong class would be counterproductive to the Grizzlies' efforts to land a player that can lead the franchise for years.
Grizzlies fans shouldn't worry too much about the possibility
Many Grizzlies fans are rightfully fed up with seeing mock trades that include trading away the #3 pick. Luckily for them, it's simply going to be difficult for the Thunder to execute.
Marc Stein in his latest NBA Draft intel gave an update that should relieve many Grizzlies fans (subscription required). Stein had the following to say in response to recent rumblings of the Thunder exploring a trade-up for Boozer:
"Since that would necessitate acquiring a pick in the top four — which many teams regard as out of reach even for the Thunder given the perceived determination of Washington, Utah, Memphis and Chicago to hang onto their precious top-four turns — Michigan's Aday Mara would figure to be a more realistic trade-up target." - Marc Stein
Stein's words should be very encouraging for Grizzlies fans to hear. The Thunder have the 12, 17, and 37 picks while also having plenty of tradable future first-round picks. However, getting those picks would not outweigh the golden opportunity the Grizzlies have in this year's class, even if the Thunder offer players such as Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell.
It is a rare opportunity for the Grizzlies to pick in the top 3, especially when thinking about possible effects of the new draft lottery. With how strong the 2026 NBA Draft is, the Grizzlies must take a chance on finding a possible franchise cornerstone that can also be productive on a rookie contract. Plus, there is likely a lower hit rate on any picks the Grizzlies would receive from the Thunder in a deal.
The other thought to consider is that the Grizzlies made a strong effort to position themselves for the third overall pick this summer. Why let that go to waste? Even though the 2026 NBA Draft would not turn the Grizzlies into contenders overnight, any potential draft haul could lead the Grizzlies back into playoff contention faster than many expect.
It's simple: the Grizzlies do not need to jeopardize a clear path back to the playoffs. Most importantly, they do not need to be the reason the Oklahoma City Thunder bounce back from this year's Western Conference Finals defeat.
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