The Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers engaged in a draft-night trade featuring two high risers throughout the draft process, Cedric Coward and Yang Hansen. The Grizzlies traded up to get their guy in Coward, while the Trail Blazers traded down, recouped future draft assets, and surprised many by taking Yang.
We broke down both sides of the deal, complete with an overall trade grade for Memphis and Portland.
Unpacking the Cedric Coward-Yang Hansen Trade Details
The trade was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania during the draft, who stated, “The Grizzlies are sending No. 16, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando and two seconds to Portland for Cedric Coward, sources said.”
The Grizzlies are sending No. 16, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando and two seconds to Portland for Cedric Coward, sources said. https://t.co/vLA63Gg3M8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
Minutes later, the Grizzlies were on the clock at pick No. 16 and selected Yang, a Chinese big man who was widely expected to go in the mid-to-late second round. As part of the deal, Yang will go to the Trail Blazers as their requested pick.
This move allows Portland to secure a player they specifically targeted, even if it meant reaching for him earlier than anticipated in many mock drafts. Let’s grade both sides of the deal, beginning with the Trail Blazers, who surprised the entire NBA by selecting Yang arguably a full 30 picks early.
Portland Trail Blazers: A Questionable Draft-Night Strategy
This is a questionable trade for the Trail Blazers on multiple levels, even before we analyze Yang’s draft stock. Portland’s roster already features a crowded frontcourt, making this selection particularly puzzling.
Center was arguably the least of Portland’s needs coming into this draft. Aside from selecting Connecticut center Donovan Clingan No. 7 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, two veteran centers are also on the roster in Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III. Now, the Trail Blazers add Yang, a fourth center, in a league that has increasingly shifted towards utilizing only one center on the court at a time.
This move strongly suggests that either Ayton or Williams, or both, will likely be on the move this summer. There are several center-needy teams across the NBA, and Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin should be a primary contact for those seeking frontcourt depth.
Regardless of potential future trades, selecting a player at an already very crowded position is extremely confounding for Portland’s current roster construction.
Then, consider the trade compensation. While sliding back five picks, which saw wings Carter Bryant and Noa Essengue being taken, two players who would have made sense for Portland, Cronin also received what will be the Orlando Magic’s 2028 first-round pick.
While a first-round pick sounds beneficial, the Magic are likely to have both star forward Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner still on the roster by 2028. Both are currently under 23 years old and are foundational pieces for Orlando. Their recent trade for Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies, who is under contract through the 2028-2029 season, also strengthens the Magic’s future outlook.
All of this indicates that this 2028 pick is almost certainly going to be in the 20s, a less valuable asset than a higher lottery selection. Is that, along with two second-round picks and falling back five spots in the current draft, truly worth it?
For Cronin, it was. And it could have been justified, until NBA commissioner Adam Silver walked to the podium and announced Yang’s name.
Yang, a hulking presence in the paint who demonstrated deceiving mobility, a deft touch around the rim, and an unselfish passing ability during NBA Draft Combine scrimmages, saw his draft stock rise from potentially withdrawing his name altogether to middle of the first round consideration.
However, according to ESPN’s draft experts, Yang was widely projected to be available in the second round. Simply put, the value of selecting him at 16 was not there, given his consensus projection as the 35th overall prospect by ESPN.
With all of these reasons combined, it’s undoubtedly questionable business by Cronin and the other decision-makers in the Trail Blazers’ front office. At this point, it’s unclear what direction Portland is trying to go in as a franchise.
Trail Blazers Grade: D
Memphis Grizzlies: Seizing an Opportunity for Immediate Impact
After dealing Bane to Orlando less than two weeks ago, the Grizzlies have already taken their first shot at replacing him by moving up to nab Coward at pick 11.
Coward’s rise over the past four years is an inspiring story of perseverance and growth. Beginning his collegiate career at NCAA Division III Willamette University in Oregon, it was quickly realized that the 6-foot-6 guard was much better than anyone else at that level.
He then transferred to Eastern Washington University, where he played for two seasons, earning All-Big Sky honors during his second year. From there, he transferred to Washington State, where he excelled in six games, averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while showcasing his smooth jump shot before a shoulder injury unfortunately ended his season.
After the season, Coward entered his name into the transfer portal and committed to Duke. This commitment came with the expectation that he would go through the NBA Draft process before deciding to stay in the draft or return to college.
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Coward impressed greatly at the Combine with a near seven-foot wingspan and looked the part of an NBA wing. His name began being floated as an early second-round pick, then a late first-rounder. By the time he had officially decided to stay in the draft, he was being mentioned as a borderline lottery pick.
And on draft night, his name was called at pick 11, with the selection landing in the hands of the Grizzlies, for a relatively low asking price.
For Memphis, this trade is well worth giving up the Magic’s 2028 first-round pick and handing over two second-rounders. The Grizzlies have a direct need at shooting guard that the experienced, mentally tough Coward could fill on Day 1. This is exactly the type of low-risk, very high-reward trade that is difficult to execute in today’s NBA, but Grizzlies lead decision-maker Zach Kleiman did exactly that.
Grizzlies Grade: A
