Grizzlies engaged in trade talks with division rival: Report

Since officially landing the ninth overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, rumors have consistently been circulating suggesting that the Memphis Grizzlies could be open to offloading their rights to the pick in some sort of trade.

Recently, however, these rumblings have segued into becoming actual reports, as The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor revealed on a June 3 episode of The Ringer's NBA Show that Grind City has held trade discussions regarding a possible move with direct division rival, the Houston Rockets.

Grizzlies have been in trade talks with Rockets regarding draft picks

"The Rockets, according to my sources, are listening to trade offers for that number three pick. They're talking to the Nets, they're talking to the Grizzlies. They could end up moving down to the number nine [pick] if it's Memphis or out if it's Brooklyn and then get back Mikal Bridges."

- Kevin O'Connor

By many metrics, for some time now the Rockets have been viewed as a team that could be a realistic trade partner when it comes to draft swaps with the Grizzlies due, in large, to their regular link to Memphis' ideal draft prospect Donovan Clingan at third overall.

As things currently stand, the title-hungry Grizzlies are still in dire need of addressing their center position following the mid-season departure of Steven Adams (who, ironically, was traded to the Rockets).

At 7-foot-2, 265 pounds, the 20-year-old prospect has the build of an ideal successor at the five, while his two-way interior play and reportedly improving perimeter game indicate that he could be an even more seamless fit within Taylor Jenkins' rotation than previously believed.

Adding the big-bodied presence who just recorded averages of 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks during his sophomore season at UConn and, simultaneously, helped lead the Wildcats to their second-straight NCAA Championship may very well be one of the more coveted courses of action for this Grizzlies team to take ahead of their redemption tour in 2024-25.

With this in mind, moving up to Houston's third overall selection would only help strengthen the odds of such a scenario becoming a reality.