With Ja Morant out for all but nine games, the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2023-24 season was a lost cause.
Taylor Jenkins’ team finished 27-55 and was out of contention in the Western Conference.
This does not preclude great expectations for 2024-25. Memphis feels it has a solid core group consisting of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. The club hopes to build on it over what looks to be an exciting summer.
Memphis is expected to pick ninth overall in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. It’s unlikely that the squad will find itself in this situation again in the future. That is, selecting from the top ten.
As a result, the Grizzlies are seeking to capitalize on what is widely regarded as one of the weaker NBA Draft classes in years.
Memphis Grizzlies eyeing trade up for Donovan Clingan
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has reported that Memphis has joined the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls in their pursuit of the former UConn center.
Clingan has recently sparked interest from the Atlanta Hawks with the top choice in the draft after leading the Huskies to back-to-back national championships. However, given the uncertainty of this year’s tournament, he may fall out of that place.
The 7-foot-2 big man is more of a conventional center. He hammers inside and has little ability to hit from the outside of the key. While Clingan’s upside may be limited, his floor is high. As a result, teams are eager to promote him.
The Houston Rockets, who drafted third overall, could be an ideal trade partner. They hope to trade this selection for an All-Star player. Perhaps the Grizzlies will offer up someone like Bane. They might also use the ninth pick to trade future assets to make the deal work.
