Pre-Draft Outlook
By securing the 8-seed in the West via the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Memphis’ lottery-protected 2025 first-round pick conveyed to Washington as part of February’s Marcus Smart trade. That left Memphis without a first-round pick until the blockbuster trade on June 16 with Orlando that sent Desmond Bane to the Magic for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and multiple first-round picks, including No. 16 in the 2025 Draft.
The Way To Go
A key question entering the Draft is whether Memphis is done dealing. If they plan to continue to build around the core of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies should look for a shooter to help fill the void left by Bane — a career 41% 3-point shooter, who led Memphis in total 3-pointers made in each of the past four seasons. Could NCAA champ and Final Four Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr. fit the bill?
— Brian Martin
Here’s a quick look at Memphis’ current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Cole Anthony
G: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
G: John Konchar
G: Ja Morant
G: Scotty Pippen Jr.
G: Zyon Pullin
G: Vince Williams Jr.
F: Brandon Clarke
F: Jaylen Wells
F/C: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Zach Edey
C: Jay Huff
Free Agents
G: Yuki Kawamura
G: Luke Kennard
G: Cam Spencer
F: Marvin Bagley III
F: Lamar Stevens
F/C: Santi Aldama