3 Grizzlies who could be sent to Rockets in trade for No. 3 pick in NBA Draft
By Mark Nilon
For weeks now, it has been rumored that the Memphis Grizzlies have been interested in making a move to land a higher-end selection in the NBA Draft, and have even reached out to several teams concerning such a desire.
Per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, one of said teams Zach Kleiman has entered discussions with is the Houston Rockets, who hold the third overall selection in next Wednesday's festivities, and, based on recent reports, it seems as though the franchise is legitimately open to moving their draft rights.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Rockets are willing to move the No. 3 pick "for a player who can help the franchise win now and elevate to a playoff team and sustainable success as a playoff team going forward."
Grizzlies players that could be shipped to Rockets in trade for No. 3 pick
What this means is that should the Grizzlies legitimately wish to attain Houston's lottery rights, not only would it likely cost them their ninth overall selection but also a player or two in the process.
Though guys like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane are undoubtedly off limits when it relates to any offseason trade discussions, as beat writer Damichael Cole has argued, outside of this core three there aren't all that many players found on this roster that deserve the "untouchable" distinction.
In the event that Memphis looks to make a major splash and move up the ladder board in the 2024 NBA Draft, there are a few players, in particular, who realistically could wind up being sent out to Space City.