A February trade and an eventful end to the 2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies season has altered the expectations heading into the NBA draft.
When Memphis traded Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards in February, a lottery-protected first-round pick was also shipped out east. When the Grizzlies secured a playoff spot with the play-in win against the Dallas Mavericks, it also resulted in that first-round pick officially going to Washington.
Memphis usually isn’t a major player in free agency, so the draft and trades are essential in its roster building.
The Grizzlies now have no first-round pick this draft, but have two picks in the second round, at No. 48 and No. 56 overall.
Here’s what the Grizzlies can do in the 2025 NBA Draft, which takes place June 25-26.
Recent draft history
Memphis has been one of the NBA’s best teams at finding second-round talent in recent years. It acquired Cam Spencer (No. 53 overall), GG Jackson (No. 45 overall) and Vince Williams Jr. (No. 47 overall) in the past three drafts. Jackson and Williams were both expected to play major roles this season before injuries limited them.
Jackson was a member of the NBA All-Rookie team in 2024, and Williams broke out and earned a standard contract after starting his rookie season on a two-way deal.
Roster overview
Memphis is entering the offseason with three roster spots opening up due to unrestricted free agents. Zyon Pullin is the lone player who has a two-way contract through next season.
That means the Grizzlies have at least three roster spots and two two-way slots to fill ahead of 2025-26. Second-round picks are usually headed for two-way deals, especially those taken late in the round.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman spoke highly of Spencer during exit interviews, so it’s safe to say Spencer could start next season occupying a second two-way slot.
If he and Pullin start next season on two-way contracts, that would leave the Grizzlies with two draft picks and one open two-way spot.
Make a move
Unless the Grizzlies get their dream prospect late in the draft, it’s likely that whoever gets selected wouldn’t be added to the 15-man roster. As in recent years, it’s likely the team will be wheeling and dealing in the draft.
Could Memphis move up? There’s a possibility. The Grizzlies could package their two picks to get a player at a more desirable second-round spot. In the 2024 draft, Jaylen Wells was selected No. 39 overall.
What about a move into the first round? That feels unlikely. And besides, the Grizzlies seem set on creating an older roster after getting what ended up being two rookie starters out of the 2024 draft.
The numbers suggest Memphis would make a trade to either move up in the second round or for a future draft pick.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
