The Memphis Grizzlies are interested in spicing things up during this year's NBA Draft. At least, that's what Michael Scotto of HoopsHype is currently reporting with just a couple of days separating now and the illustrious festivities.
Per the Insider, the Grizzlies have "reportedly discussed trying to move up in the draft with several teams ahead of them" in an effort to try and land UConn center Donovan Clingan, a prospect believed to be "at the top of their wish list."
Grizzlies have 'discussed' trading up in NBA Draft with opposing teams
For quite some time now, Clingan has been a player oft linked to Memphis as being an optimal grab for the franchise due to their lack of center options following the mid-season departures of Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman.
With his impressive size (7-foot-2, 280 pounds) coupled with sound rim protecting, rebounding, and, according to recent reports, improved long-range shooting skills, the 20-year-old could very well be an ideal option for Zach Kleiman and company to take a swing on.
DONOVAN CLINGAN BLOCK AND SLAM 💥
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 30, 2024
Huskies are on fire. pic.twitter.com/mcwV60ijmg
Of course, considering his high-end skill set and established championship pedigree (won two straight NCAA Tournaments with the Huskies), the Grizzlies are far from the only franchise fawning over his upside, as many current mocks and projections have the big man going anywhere from the top-three to the top-seven, with ESPN's Jonathan Givony recently revealing that the owners of the number one pick, the Atlanta Hawks, and their personnel "especially likes Donovan Clingan."
With this in mind, in order to land their top-ranked guy, Memphis must be willing to cough up a few assets in an effort to do so.
Luckily for them, it appears Clingan is a talent well worth parting ways with the No. 12 pick and then some for.