In one of the most talked-about moves on 2025 NBA Draft Night, the Memphis Grizzlies traded up to the No. 11 pick to select Washington State guard Cedric Coward, sending four picks to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange. The pickup of Coward—a 6‑foot‑6 wing with a 7‑2 wingspan—marks a significant commitment by Memphis to retool around their young core, including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr..
What Flows the Deal
- To Memphis: No. 11 pick (used on Coward).
- To Portland: 2025 No. 16 pick, 2028 first-rounder (via Orlando), plus two second-rounders.
On draft night, the Blazers held the No. 11 pick nominally, then selected Coward on behalf of Memphis. This strategy allowed the trade to finalize later, consistent with NBA procedures .
Who Cedric Coward Is
Coward’s rise was unconventional: from Division III’s Willamette, to Eastern Washington (where he earned Big Sky first-team honors), then to Washington State. In six games last season at WSU, he averaged 17.7 PPG and 7.0 RPG before a shoulder injury ended his campaign early.
Despite limited exposure, Coward impressed scouts with his automatic jumper, 38.8% 3‑point accuracy, elite 7‑2 wingspan, and 32.5‑inch standing vertical—all stunning metrics for a late first-round prospect.
Memphis’s Take: A Calculated Risk
Memphis displayed a clear strategy: after trading Desmond Bane to Orlando for four future first-rounders and role players, they pivoted quickly to use one of the acquired picks to select Coward.
As NBC’s Kurt Helin summarized:
“With this trade they snapped up Cedric Coward… He’s 6‑5 with a 7‑2 wingspan… shot 38.8 percent from 3… he has all the tools to be a good fit next to Ja Morant.”.
Reddit buzz echoed the sentiment:
“Coward is gonna be amazing”.
What Memphis Sees in Coward
- 3-and-D wing: Size, shooting, and length to thrive alongside Morant and Jackson.
- High ceiling: Despite his shoulder injury history, teams were excited by his upside.
- Floor-to-roster readiness: Scouts noted that many NBA organizations expect Coward will see meaningful minutes early.
Portland’s Big Gamble
Portland elected to pack future assets over chasing a high-upside rookie. Their haul—No. 16 pick, future first-round via Orlando, and two second-rounders—positions them for flexibility and depth in coming drafts.
Draft Night Fireworks
- The Rockets–Suns deal flipped Khaman Maluach at No. 10 in a Kevin Durant swap.
- Phoenix sent Mark Williams to Charlotte using pick No. 29 and a 2029 first-rounder.
- New Orleans, Utah, Sacramento, and Indiana all made significant moves to retool around their talent pipelines .
Summary Table
| Team | Gained | Sent |
|---|---|---|
| Grizzlies | No. 11 pick → Coward | No. 16 (2025), 2028 1st, two second-round picks |
| Trail Blazers | 2025 No. 16, 2028 1st (via Orlando), two 2nds | No. 11 pick (Coward) |
Final Word: A Bold Move with High Upside
Memphis is betting Coward is more valuable than those three picks—a bold declaration of belief in his potential. If he blossoms into a reliable 3-and-D starter, Memphis’s daring move could pay dividends. For Portland, the trade sets them up with draft flexibility and future assets.
