Memphis

Grizzlies

There were rumors over the past week that Detroit could be open to moving Stewart, but this is clearly a cost-cutting move. Stewart’s departure should open the door for Paul Reed to become the backup center behind Jalen Duren, barring other moves. Stewart should fill out the backup center minutes in Memphis behind Zach Edey. The Grizzlies were the worst rebounding team in the league after the All-Star break last year, but with Edey healthy and Beef Stew in town, the frontcourt should be far more formidable next season.

BYU’s 2025-26 season took a disappointing turn when Saunders suffered a torn ACL in February. However, it says a lot for the 6-foot-5 wing that he was still considered a potential first-round pick despite the injury. Playing alongside AJ Dybantsa, Saunders averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.6 three-pointers before the injury. Having shot nearly 38 percent from deep, he’s capable of scoring on all three levels and providing some supplementary playmaking. He may not be ready to make his debut for the Grizzlies until a couple months after the season starts, which could affect how much of an impact he makes during his rookie year. However, he should eventually fill in as a strong wing piece for Memphis as they continue to build out this team.

The 6-foot-8 Lopez, who recorded solid numbers for the New Zealand Breakers last season, is the first native of Mexico to become a first-round pick in NBA Draft history. Last season, the 19-year-old averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, and he was most effective offensively from 15 feet and in. However, Lopez has the potential to expand his offensive game and the size and athleticism to be a factor defensively. Memphis traded down twice from pick 16 but was still able to add a talented piece in López. He’ll provide value on both ends of the floor and should fit well next to Cameron Boozer, who the Grizzlies added with the 3rd pick.

Okorie’s lone season at Stanford was an excellent one, as he led the ACC in scoring and was one of the conference’s best freshmen. Averaging 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.0 three-pointers, the 6-foot-1 guard shot 46.5 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from three and 83.2 percent from the foul line. Okorie does have room to grow as a perimeter shooter, but his playmaking instincts are excellent. The Pistons sent the Grizzlies three second-round picks to move from 21 to 17 to add Okorie, which came after the Thunder traded two second-round picks to move from 17 to 16. Detroit desperately needed to add another ball handler, and Okorie should fill that void flawlessly. He may not see the volume of minutes that he would need to be a fantasy star, but he’ll be very helpful for the Pistons in the non-Cade Cunningham minutes.

Boozer is one of the top prospects in the draft class, regardless of position. While he offers a high floor, that may be selling his long-term ceiling short. A consensus All-American, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 22.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 three-pointers in 33.4 minutes at Duke, shooting 55.6 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from three and 78.9 percent from the foul line. Boozer’s physicality and work ethic make him a good choice for any franchise looking to reset its roster. He should slot in as the starting power forward for Memphis after they traded Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah at the trade deadline. Boozer should fit in well alongside Zach Edey in the starting unit and become the franchise cornerstone for the Grizzlies.

Caldwell-Pope’s 2025-26 campaign ended early after he injured his finger and underwent surgery. Before the injury, the veteran guard was having one of his least-productive seasons as a pro and had struggled to provide fantasy value. Nonetheless, his opt -in will bring him back to Memphis for a third season.

Clarke’s agency Priority Sports released the information regarding his passing, though no other details have been reported at this time. Clarke spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies after being a first-round pick in 2019. He was named to the All-Rookie first team that year, though injuries limited his availability over the past few seasons. Clarke was only 29 years old at the time of his passing.

The Wizards will be followed by the Jazz, Grizzlies and Bulls in the top four of the draft order. Washington had a 14 percent chance of landing the first overall pick, which was tied with Indiana and Brooklyn for best odds under the current lottery system. AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Darryn Petterson are among the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Rupert finished the season with three excellent games in a row. A former second round pick on a two-way deal, Rupert has been given plenty of minutes by the Grizzlies in the second half of the season and only flashed his potential. Still just 21, he could be worth stashing in dynasty, but expectations should be tempered.

Clayton will miss a second straight game. On Friday, Lucas Williamson and Jahmai Mashack each played 48 minutes. Expect more strange rotations for Memphis in this one, with Williamson and Mashack likely filling all the backcourt minutes. As for Clayton, the 2025 first-rounder came over to Memphis in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade and could figure in Memphis’ rotation in 2026-27 if Ja Morant is dealt this offseason. He has some conditional fantasy value, but he’s going to need to shoot better than 38.4 percent to be a major cog going forward.