Grizzlies trade down, select Karim Lopez with 21st pick in NBA Draft

The Memphis Grizzlies selected forward Karim Lopez with the No. 21 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Initially owning the No. 16 pick, Memphis traded with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the No. 17 pick and two future second-round selections before moving down to No. 21 while acquiring additional second-round picks. Lopez, a 19-year-old from Mexico and the first Mexican-born player chosen in the first round, averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in the NBL. He joins Cameron Boozer, the Grizzlies' third overall pick, as the team aims to build a younger roster. Memphis is focusing on becoming bigger and stronger as they transition to a rebuild.

• 3:13 AMYahoo Sports — 3 things to know about Grizzlies draft pick Karim Lopez, including pro experience
• 2:29 AMYahoo Sports — Grizzlies trade back, select Karim Lopez with No. 21 pick in 2026 NBA Draft