The Memphis Grizzlies have relinquished their first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, part of a trade deal that brought Marvin Bagley III to the team while sending Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards. Despite securing the 18th overall pick after winning a tiebreaker, the Grizzlies opted for a lottery protection on the pick, which could have been retained had they failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, a play-in game victory over the Dallas Mavericks led to this crucial decision, ultimately setting them up against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.

This scenario has sparked debates on the value of winning in the current competitive environment, particularly regarding the prevalent strategy of 'tanking' for better draft positions. Many analysts argue that by winning, the Grizzlies not only gain invaluable playoff experience but also allow interim coach Tuomas Iisalo the chance to demonstrate his capabilities in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Memphis still holds two second-round picks in the upcoming draft, previously acquired through deals with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, indicating that the team remains focused on future opportunities despite this setback.