Full Breakdown
Memphis Grizzlies Draft Cameron Boozer No. 3 Amid Ja Morant Uncertainty
6/25/2026, 12:19:54 AM
Draft Night
Memphis used No. 3 to draft Duke forward Cameron Boozer, traded No. 16 for Ebuka Okorie (No. 17) and two second-rounders, then swapped Okorie for No. 21 pick Karim Lopez and three second-rounders, retaining No. 32.
Rebuilding Context
Memphis began a roster overhaul in 2025 after firing coach Taylor Jenkins. GM Zach Kleiman cited a pool of talent and first-round assets as the franchise moves from a Ja Morant-led era to new core.
Key Figures
Cameron Boozer, son of two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer, joins a frontcourt with 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey. Tuomas Iisalo will integrate him, while Ja Morant remains under a $87 million, two-year contract amid trade speculation.
Data & Statistics
Boozer averaged 22.5 pts, 10.2 reb, 4.1 ast, 1.4 stl, shot 39 % and posted a 17.1 box-plus-minus. He earned ACC Player, Rookie and Tournament MVP honors and was a unanimous college player of the year. Memphis finished 25-57.
Impact
Boozer’s shooting and playmaking should stretch Memphis’ offense and give Cedric Coward a facilitator. Paired with Edey, he adds a frontcourt if Edey stays healthy. The move lets Memphis keep Morant as a complement or trade him for assets.
Official Statements
Kleiman said the club’s “group of young players… coupled with having as many first-round assets as anyone in the league, it’s gonna speak for itself soon.” The organization called Boozer an “ideal fit for the culture Memphis is building” while noting Morant’s future “remains uncertain.” Reports say the Pelicans, Timberwolves and Kings have declined interest in a Morant trade.
Criticism
Analysts note Boozer “lacks ideal size, mobility and verticality on defense,” questioning his rim protection. Some skeptics label his shot-blocking as “pumpkin-like.” Morant’s trade value is low due to injuries, a declining field-goal percentage and 2026 point-guard class.
Conflicting Reports
Some outlets say the Pelicans, Kings and Timberwolves are not pursuing Morant, yet reports a Pelicans exploration with Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins. Sources differ on Morant’s health: one cites a UCL elbow tear and lingering discomfort; another mentions only statistical decline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's crazy. Instant happiness. Instant joy. Basically, my whole life in a couple of seconds, so it's amazing for sure.” — Cameron Boozer, Draft Prospect
- “I think we're going to surprise a lot of people this year,” — Cameron Boozer, Draft Prospect
- “He’s a pretty incredible person outside of being an incredible basketball player,” — Andrew Moran, Assistant Coach, Miami
- “I got the chills so many times watching my kids wear the same jersey I wore 25 years ago and they were excelling and playing outstandingly,” — Carlos Boozer, Two-time NBA All-Star
