The Memphis Grizzlies’ jump to the No. 3 position in the 2026 NBA Draft has eased—but not eliminated—pressure to move guard Ja Morant, according to a report by The Memphis Commercial Appeal. With the lottery rise, Memphis is now projected to choose between Duke center Cameron Boozer and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, rather than searching for a lead-guard replacement in a guard-heavy section of the board.
Although Morant remains a logical on-court fit, the organization is still weighing trade possibilities after a turbulent campaign in which he appeared in just 20 games and clashed with head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizzlies tried to move Morant prior to February’s deadline without success and are expected to gauge the market again, this time with an eye toward rebuilding around the third pick and young pieces Zach Edey and Cedric Coward.
Memphis, which also owns picks No. 16 and 32, began private workouts last week. Team observers view Boozer as a smoother fit alongside Edey, envisioning front-court mismatches that could accelerate the club’s return to the postseason.
Dallas Targets Best Talent at No. 9
The Dallas Mavericks, unable to replicate last year’s lottery luck, hold the No. 9 selection. Newly hired general manager Mike Schmitz told The Dallas Morning News the front office is casting a wide net. “We’re looking for someone who can fit our culture and make a high-level impact for years,” Schmitz said, adding that the 2026 class is “very deep” across positions.
Top guard prospects have already labeled Dallas an attractive landing spot. Prospect Kingston Flemings cited the chance to learn from veterans Cooper Flagg—the reigning Rookie of the Year—and Kyrie Irving, saying he is ready to “do whatever the coaches and new team president Masai Ujiri need.”
Houston Watches Lottery Reform
The Houston Rockets are studying potential changes to the draft lottery that could influence the value of the 2027 first-round picks they own from Brooklyn and Phoenix, writes Varun Shankar of The Houston Chronicle.
The story ends here.
Source: Hoops Rumors
