The Memphis Grizzlies selected Bennett Stirtz at No. 16 before using multiple draft-day trades to acquire Karim Lopez.

Memphis started the draft with three picks in this year's draft and used the No.3 overall pick to select Cameron Boozer. Once the clock struck zero for the No.16 pick, the franchise selected Stirtz, who could have provided the team with a polished guard who can create his shot, get others involved with his playmaking, and add backcourt depth. 

Nonetheless, the Grizzlies selected the guard but shortly after traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. "ESPN's Shams Charania reports this pick is on the move and Stirtz has been traded to Oklahoma City in a swap that sent two second-round picks to Memphis for the opportunity to move up one spot," according to ESPN.com. 

"It appears the Thunder will roster both of their first-round picks and solve their roster crunch another way. Stirtz was likely to come off the board in this range and turned out to be a target for the Thunder, who were presumably worried about Memphis picking him and willing to pay to ensure they got him. He is a rotation-ready playmaker who gives OKC additional shooting and playmaking off the bench," wrote ESPN's Draft Expert Jeremy Woo. 

However, with the No. 21 pick, the Detroit Pistons selected Karim Lopez and traded his rights to the Memphis Grizzlies. Earlier in the night, Detroit acquired Ebuka Okorie from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who received Stirtz from the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a separate deal.

While no mock draft predicted Lopez landing in Memphis, he was projected to go at No.17 or No.18. Lopez is a 6-foot-9 forward who plays on the perimeter and can compete on both ends of the floor. 

Right now, the Grizzlies frontcourt will feature Boozer and Zach Edey. Lopez will provide this roster with physicality, pro experience, and the possibility of developing international talent.

However, critics believe that he needs to improve his perimeter shooting, ball-handling ability, and creating his own offense. While there are no reports on whether he will play right away, his versatility and high ceiling make him an interesting piece for this franchise, assuming he remains with the team.

At the end of the 2025-26 season in the NBL, Lopez averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block, while shooting 50.2 percent from the floor. 

Grizzlies Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Grizzlies. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.