Cedric Coward Sends Ja Morant Message After Grizzlies’ NBA Draft Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 12:09 AM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies aren't resting on their laurels after getting swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. After shipping out Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, they moved up from pick No. 16 to No. 11 to select Washington State forward Cedric Coward on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5-inch, 213-pounder joins Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant in Memphis, two All-Stars who have one playoff series win between them. His 7-foot-2-inch wingspan adds more length to the squad's frontcourt, although he'll have to shake off some rust, as he played just six games this past season before injuring his shoulder.

Coward spoke about Morant and Jackson after getting drafted, via The Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole.

“They’re one of the best duos in the league," he said.

Morant averaged 23.2 points on 45.4 percent shooting (30.9 percent 3 PT) with 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists this past season, while Jackson posted 22.2 points on 48.8 percent shooting (37.5 percent 3 PT) with 5.6 rebounds and two assists.

Cedric Coward on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.:

“They’re one of the best duos in the league.”
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) June 26, 2025

Memphis went 48-34 in the regular season and earned the Western Conference's eighth seed. The club lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first Play-In game before beating the Dallas Mavericks in the second.

Coward averaged 12 points on 59.3 percent shooting (38.6 percent 3 PT) with 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists over four collegiate seasons. Before Washington State, the 21-year-old played for Eastern Washington and Williamette.

The Grizzlies traded the No. 16 pick, a 2028 first-rounder via the Orlando Magic, and two second-rounders to get Coward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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