Grizzlies Signal Long-Term Focus While Rockets and Nets Stockpile Draft Capital
grizzlies-rockets-nets-draft-assets
The Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets are reshuffling assets with an eye on future drafts, according to ESPN.
Grizzlies
Memphis shipped guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic this offseason, collecting multiple draft picks in return. Part of that package was immediately flipped to climb to No. 11 in June’s draft, where the club selected forward Cedric Coward, a prospect who missed most of last season because of injury.
With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. still on the roster, the move is not considered a full rebuild. However, sending out Bane signals a longer-range approach. The Grizzlies also hold the Phoenix Suns’ first-round pick in 2026 (subject to swap protections), a selection that could grow in value.
Rockets
League executives view Houston as a current Western Conference contender—before even factoring in how newly acquired Kevin Durant will mesh. The Rockets also control an unprotected 2027 first-round pick from Phoenix. Front-office officials told ESPN they see the 2027 draft class as weaker than 2026, which could diminish the pick’s trade appeal, but Houston still possesses ample assets to keep building around Durant, who turns 37 this season.
Nets
Brooklyn used five first-round selections in the latest draft, a strategy aimed at broad talent acquisition ahead of an anticipatedly strong 2026 class. Projected top prospects include Darryn Peterson (Kansas), A.J. Dybantsa (BYU), Cameron Boozer (Duke), Nate Ament (Tennessee) and Mikel Brown (Louisville).
The Nets owe Houston a 2027 pick swap, making next offseason pivotal. With cap space available, Brooklyn could package its draft cache to chase a star if one hits the market.
Source: Hoops Wire
