The buzz at this week’s draft combine in Chicago suggests that the Grizzlies are a prime candidate to trade a high pick next month, according to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News. Deveney hears that the Grizzlies’ preference would be to move up to No. 1 or No. 2 to grab one of 2018’s top prospects, but a trade down is probably more likely.
“If you have someone you like in the first few picks, they’re the first call you’d make,” one general manager said of the Grizzlies, per Deveney. “They obviously were the most disappointed with the way the lottery went and the options they have now. It seems like they want to try to turn that pick into something else.
“Everyone’s going to talk before the draft, of course,” the GM continued. “But Memphis, I think they’re the ones who are going to be more ready to do something than others.”
As Deveney observes, many of the most promising prospects who would be available for the Grizzlies at No. 4 are raw and wouldn’t necessarily be able to make an impact right away. Memphis hopes to return to playoff contention with a healthy Mike Conley in 2018/19, so moving down a few spots and picking up a wing like Mikal Bridges or Miles Bridges – along with an extra player – could be a favorable outcome for the club.
The Grizzlies also owe their 2019 first-round pick to the Celtics if it doesn’t land in the top eight, so if they explore a trade down, they may look to pick up a first-rounder in that draft, Deveney notes.
If Memphis stays at No. 4, the team’s top options figure to include the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr., Mohamed Bamba, and Michael Porter Jr., assuming Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, and Marvin Bagley III come off the board in the top three. While the Grizzlies may ultimately stay put, especially if one of those top prospects slips to them, we should expect them to be involved in trade discussions leading up to draft night, Deveney writes.
This whole thing of Memphis drafting a pick is awkward because they are built around two win now players in Conley and Gasol. If the plan is to win now then they need to make a run at a player that will put them atop the West again. Why not move the 4th pick and JaMychal Green for Love and the 8th pick? A combo of Love,Gasol, and Conley would be pretty awesome, Love can get utilized the same way he did in Minnesota on the Grizzlies and they’d be a top 5 seed in the West again easily. As for the Cavs if Lebron leaves you can get your hands on Bamba and build around him as the defensive anchor.
Atop the West again? When were they atop the West?
Not too long ago, I believe they were top 3-4 2-3 years ago. I think Love makes them quite formidable since he can get back to being much more than just a spot up shooter for Lebron.
No way Cavs trade Kevin Love just to move up four spots. If they could take Doncic or Ayton I understand, but Bamba or Jackson Jr aren’t worth it.
If Lebron leaves Love will be gone also. He’s the only player they could get real value for, I think he’s still capable of 25 and 12 just not playing with Lebron. On the Grizzlies Bickerstaff would utilize him as a 1st or 2nd option behind Conley or Gasol and he would give the Grizzlies some of that grit and grind again.
No way the Cavs trade their second best player to move up four slots. They are trying to keep LeBron around, not trade off pieces and make him want to leave.
If Lebron leaves and there’s a rebuild I don’t think s defensive first big wouldn’t be their ideal building block. We are in an offensive minded league.
I also find it interesting that they would look to move that pick. I assumed they were in a rebuild.
Please Bulls trade up to #4!!!! Pick 7 Bobby Portis, Justin holiday and maybe 2nd picks or top 10 nexts year pick! Get it done!!!
Trade up to 4 to get who? The Bulls can get Porter Jr at 7.
I don’t think they get Porter at 7, but it’s too early in the process to know for sure. The issue, though, is that Porter is a top-5 pick if the medicals check out. But if they don’t, do you want him at 7?
Yea I’m still taking Porter Jr. He’s worth the risk, he’s the most complete scorer I’ve seen since Durant.
But then why aren’t the Six teams ahead of the Bulls taking the risk?
Because the players available are not an injury risk. After Ayton I don’t believe there is a better prospect then Porter Jr.
From a pure talent standpoint, Porter is probably the most talented player, period. It’s a high risk, high reward proposition that needs to come down to the opinion of the medical staff. And being a Bulls fan, I’ll be the first to say it. I don’t trust the Bulls medical staff.
7 and 22 for the 4th makes sense, Josh Jackson would fit in a Bulls uniform
Josh Jackson plays for the Suns dude, the Suns would absolutely be out of their minds if they trade him.
I think he meant Jaren Jackson
Can we add Justin Jackson to the list of J. Jacksons that are taking over the league? Haha
How about Janet or Jermaine?
Seems like Toronto and Miami can make a play here. Neither have a pick. Philly could get involved as well. They are going to need rookie contracts if they land a whale or two and when Simmons is due his payday.
Too Early in the process to say anything for sure, but I think the Bulls are fine at 7.
Top 3 picks look like Ayton, Doncic, Bagley.
4-5 looks like Porter and Jackson
The Magic are rumored to be focusing on PG so it looks like either Young or Sexton.
That leaves the Bulls with Bamba at 7. If Bamba goes 4 or 5 (possible), then it likely leaves Porter or Jackson available at 7 since I don’t see the Magic taking either after drafting Isaac last year.
At this point, is anyone 100% certain that Bamba won’t be as good or better than Jackson or Porter? And if not, then why make a move? Take Bamba and reap the benefits of having a defensive beast down low who can compliment Markhannen. Then use the other 1st round pick on a rotational player that can shoot.
Celtics need to consolidate some assets. Trade into the 4 spot and grab Jackson to play behind Horford until he’s ready to take over the reigns ina few years.
I want Bamba if they trade up there
Bamba could be nasty is he develops a 3. Jackson looks like the safer bet. A team like the C’s could afford to swing for the fences. I doubt they trade up. But I can see Danny making a trade to consolidate resources.
Kemba, Williams, Zeller, 11th pick for Conley, 4th
I wish the sixers had a spare rotational player that would make sense to trade. Wouldn’t mind them moving up and take a shot on porter jr
If Doncic drops to #4 (doubt it, but if), the Knicks should give it try. Unclear what Grizz would want. If it’s to win now (which may be wishful thinking), then what’s the point of drafting a lesser player now, for a 1st in a future draft (unless they feel they can flip it)?
I’d would have no problem with the Knicks moving next year’s first (with some protection) and #9 for Doncic, but only on draft night when it’s certain he’s fallen. Knicks’ pick next year figures to be valuable, particularly with the new rules evening out lottery odds.
You can’t deal picks in back to back years
They’d be drafting this year, just at #4.
Plus, even if they traded out without getting a pick back, they could draft the guy (for Memphis) and then trade his rights, that’s still an exercised pick.
Yes you can. You just can’t sit out the first round entirely in back to back drafts. They would be using a first rounder in 2018 in this scenario.
If Doncic dropped to four, the Grizzlies would take him.
They should. Even if he’s not coming for a couple of years, and they’re prioritizing winning within the Gasol / Conley window, because he can be traded for a bunch of win now assets.
Sixers need Michael Porter Jr. or at least Mikal Bridges out of thidraft. They have 6 picks… While I wouldn’t mind Miles Bridges and Donte DiVincenzo at 10 and 26, I’d love Porter Jr at 4.