Grizzlies Poised to Benefit From Play-In Tournament Losses

Memphis team could gain additional lottery pick through trades despite not participating

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted basketball game, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange.The Grizzlies' potential lottery windfall from the Play-In Tournament could reshape their rebuilding efforts.Memphis Today

The Memphis Grizzlies, who missed the playoffs this season, could still end up as one of the biggest winners of the NBA Play-In Tournament despite not actually playing in it. With former Grizzlies players Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane now starring for the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic, respectively, the Grizzlies are hoping those teams lose in the Play-In, which would give Memphis an additional lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies are in the midst of a rebuild, having traded away fan favorite Jaren Jackson Jr. last season. An extra lottery pick would provide a major boost to their rebuilding efforts and increase their odds of landing a top-3 talent in the stacked 2026 draft class.

The details

The Grizzlies received a 2026 first-round pick from the Magic in the Desmond Bane trade, with swap rights with the Suns. If the Suns and Magic both lose in the Play-In, the Grizzlies will get the better of the two picks, which could end up in the lottery depending on the results. Even in a worst-case scenario where both teams win, the Grizzlies would still get a pick in the mid-to-late teens, which could net them a quality prospect to add to their young core.

  • The Suns and Magic face elimination games on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for late June 2026.

The players

Dillon Brooks

Former Memphis Grizzlies player who is now a key member of the Phoenix Suns.

Desmond Bane

Former Memphis Grizzlies player who is now a key member of the Orlando Magic.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Former Memphis Grizzlies player who was traded away, signaling the team's commitment to a rebuild.

Ja Morant

The Grizzlies' star player whose future with the team will need to be resolved this offseason.

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What’s next

If the Suns and Magic both lose their elimination games on Friday, the Grizzlies will secure a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This would be a major boost to their rebuilding efforts as they look to surround Ja Morant with young talent.

The takeaway

The Grizzlies' savvy maneuvering of past trades has put them in position to potentially gain an extra lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, despite not actually participating in the Play-In Tournament themselves. This could be a franchise-altering development as the team looks to rebuild around Ja Morant and return to contention.