MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The 2021 NBA Draft is quickly approaching with the Memphis Grizzlies holding the 17th pick in the first round. However, there is a chance Memphis could be trading a fan favorite for a lottery pick.
Round One starts Thursday, July 29.
Right now, most mock draft boards project the first overall pick to be Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunnigham, by the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons followed by the Houston Rockets taking Memphis Tigers near miss Jalen Green who head coach Penny Hardaway almost secured before he decided to play for G League Ignite.
As of Sunday, July 25, the Grizzlies could be saying goodbye to Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies front office is reportedly in talks with the New Orleans Pelicans for a trade of Eric Bledsoe and the tenth overall lottery pick.
If the grizzlies secure the trade, mock drafts project they will snatch University of Tennessee former guard Keon Johnson.
Johnson is a two-way threat that could fill the wing void and lighten the load on Memphis star Ja Morant, that is, if he can improve his 27% three point shooting he had this past season with the Vols.
However, without the trade the Grizzlies are projected to take Trey Murphy III from Virginia.
Drafting Murphy with the 17th overall pick, who shot 43% from the arc last season would allow Memphis to hold on to Jaren Jackson Jr., at least for now.
However, the newest Memphis Grizzlie, will not be for sure until Thursday night at the Barclays Center in New York where the draft will be held.
