Memphis Grizzlies trade draft picks, confront Ja Morant trade talks

The Memphis Grizzlies moved back from the No. 16 to the No. 21 spot in the NBA first‑round draft, trading with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons. The maneuver netted Mexican forward Karim Lopez and three future second‑round selections, while the No. 3 pick was used on Cameron Boozer.

At the same time, the market for the team's star guard Ja Morant remains unsettled. Prediction markets list several possible destinations, but recent reports indicate the Minnesota Timberwolves are no longer in the mix and the Sacramento Kings are unlikely to pursue him. The Grizzlies face a dilemma between keeping Morant on a five‑year, $197 million contract or finding a buyer, as his sizable salary and trade‑incentive requirements complicate any deal.