The Memphis Grizzlies cast the only dissenting vote when the NBA Board of Governors approved new draft-lottery regulations on Wednesday, and league sources say the decision hinged on how the changes affect a future Utah Jazz pick controlled by Memphis.
Under the revised “3-2-1” system, a franchise is barred from landing a top-five selection in three consecutive drafts. Utah owns a top-five choice in this year’s draft for the second straight season. Because of the new rule, the Jazz’s 2027 first-rounder is now ineligible to fall inside the top five.
The Grizzlies hold swap rights to the more favorable 2027 first-round pick among Utah, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Limiting Utah’s 2027 slot removes potential upside for Memphis, prompting the club to oppose the measure, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
The anti-tanking reforms passed by a 29–1 margin, reinforcing stricter penalties designed to discourage teams from intentionally losing games to improve draft position.
Source: Hoops Wire
