Memphis Grizzlies trade up to 11th pick to draft Cedric Coward

The Grizzlies got their guy. Cedric Coward is a Memphis Grizzly.

Zach Kleiman is back to his moving up ways. The Grizzlies traded the 16th pick, a 2028 first-round pick acquired from Orlando, and two second-round picks to the Portland Trail Blazers for the 11th pick to select Cedric Coward from Washington State — per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Zach Kleiman had previously traded up and into the draft for Brandon Clarke, Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman, Santi Aldama, and Jake LaRavia. Cedric Coward is on the list.

I love this pick.

The Grizzlies have been searching for a big wing — one with great size, shooting, and defensive tools. Coward fits the mold. His efficiency was remarkable. He leverages his physicality to finish effectively at the rim. He also has smooth, repeatable mechanics on his jumper. Defensively, there’s just stuff he can do on the floor that others can’t because of his 7’2” wingspan — shutting down areas of the floor with his length.

I’ll dive deeper into his game and fit, but Coward is the type of wing you chase with a Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. core. The Grizzlies are going to be big around Morant defensively. Offensively, he’s going to space the floor for him.

I’ll have more in the coming days on Coward’s game and fit. Ultimately, this is a very good move from the Memphis Grizzlies front office.

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