Recent report could be disastrous for the Grizzlies’ hopes of securing a draft pick.

The Memphis Grizzlies, who finished with the seventh-worst record in the league (27-55), own the rights to the ninth overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. While this is not exactly what they were hoping for, they could still be able to select from a number of good young prospects.

Naturally, according to recent reports, Zach Kleiman and company are open to the idea of making a trade for the third overall pick during the festivities on June 26. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer revealed on an episode of The Ringer’s NBA Show on June 3 that the team has already contacted the Houston Rockets about a possible trade for the pick.
Many see this as an indication that the Grizzlies are keen to add UConn center Donovan Clingan, who is quickly rising up the draft boards due to his impressive senior season that culminated in a second consecutive NCAA Championship and his reported strong individual workouts.

Memphis, sadly, may not be able to select the 20-year-old despite moving up to No. 3 on draft night. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony stated on a recent episode of The Lowe Post Podcast that the Atlanta Hawks, who own the rights to the first pick, are currently interested in players like Clingan.
Hawks might prevent Donovan Clingan from being drafted by the Grizzlies
“I’ve heard that Donovan Clingan is liked in Atlanta. Donovan Clingan is particularly beloved by Quin Snyder. Over the past few years, Atlanta has, in my opinion, had one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The finest shot blocker available in this class, who anchored a national championship defense the previous two years, is a guy with a 9-foot-7 standing reach who would be a fantastic choice to address that.”