NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Rockets, Nets, draft

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies made what ESPN’s Jeremy Woo calls a “measured” decision this offseason — trading away Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for a haul of draft picks.

They immediately used part of that return to move up to No. 11 in the draft and select forward Cedric Coward, a sleeper prospect who missed most of last season with an injury.

Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. keep Memphis competitive, meaning this isn’t necessarily a full-on reset.

But offloading Bane signals the franchise is thinking long-term.

One thing working in their favor: the Grizzlies hold the rights to Phoenix’s 2026 first-round pick (depending on swap protections), which could wind up being a valuable lottery ticket.

Rockets

Few teams are better positioned for both the present and the future than Houston.

ESPN notes the Rockets are already viewed as a top-tier Western Conference contender — and that’s before factoring in how Kevin Durant fits into the mix after arriving this summer.

The Rockets also hold a potentially juicy unprotected 2027 first-round pick from Phoenix.

The wrinkle? Executives aren’t enamored with the early projections for that draft class, calling it weak compared to 2026.

That could lower the pick’s trade value, though Houston still has plenty of assets if they want to keep building around Durant, who turns 37 this season.

Nets

Brooklyn is all about the 2026 draft. ESPN writes that the Nets’ five first-rounders in this year’s draft were about casting a wide net — and the franchise is positioning itself for lottery odds at the top of what scouts believe is a loaded class.

Names to watch include Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, BYU wing A.J. Dybantsa and Duke’s Cameron Boozer.

Add in Tennessee’s Nate Ament and Louisville’s Mikel Brown, and there’s a strong chance Brooklyn lands a foundational piece even without winning the lottery.

Because the Nets owe a 2027 pick swap to Houston, next offseason becomes a key pivot point.

With cap space and flexibility to spend, Brooklyn could flip its draft capital and rebuild quickly if the right star becomes available.