NBA Draft Rumors: Grizzlies send cash to Nuggets to keep 2015 pick
By Bryan Rose
The Memphis Grizzlies had a choice to make in the weeks leading up to the 2014 NBA Draft and it had nothing to do with who they plan to select or any free agent. In fact, it had to do with cash and a second round draft pick in the 2015 draft.
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See, back in 2008, the Grizzlies involved themselves in a three-team deal along with the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans (formerly Hornets). That pick was sent to the Pelicans who then sent it to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Chris Paul trade before it eventually found its way to the Denver Nuggets in a deal for JaVale McGee.
Attached to that pick was the option of either giving it up come the 2015 draft or send cash the other way. That’s exactly what the Grizzlies decided to do as they sent an undisclosed sum to the Nuggets which allows them to keep the pick.
So why do that? Well, the trade-happy Grizzlies have traded away all of their second round selections through the 2017 NBA Draft so for what was likely a relatively small sum, they decided it would be best to keep a potential trade asset moving forward.
It obviously isn’t worth a lot, but it’s understandably worth more to them than simply giving it away for nothing.
Unfortunately for the Denver Nuggets, they no longer have a second round pick next season as they traded away their own pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves, so they’ll need to acquire such if they want a pick in the second round of the ’15 draft.