NBA Lottery Rule Change Hits Grizzlies Hard

Clarity has emerged regarding a controversial rule within the NBA's proposed '3-2-1' draft lottery system. Yahoo Sports reported that a key rule prevents any team from securing the first overall pick in back-to-back drafts or a top-five selection in three consecutive years. This rule's streak attaches to the original team, not the holder of a traded pick.

This clarification is significant for the Memphis Grizzlies. As of May 23, 2026, they are slated to receive the more favorable pick between Utah, Minnesota, and Cleveland from a February 2026 trade involving Jaren Jackson Jr. The Jazz have already picked fifth in 2025 and hold the second pick in 2026.

Under the proposed rule, which retroactively applies the streak back to 2025, Utah would be ineligible for a top-five pick in 2027. Because the streak stays with the original team, Memphis could lose its potential top-five pick from Utah. This could devalue the 2026 trade, especially if the Grizzlies were banking on a high pick for their rebuild.

League officials are justifying this clause as a measure to prevent loopholes, ensuring that a team nearing a streak cannot simply trade its pick to a team without such history. However, critics argue the rule itself goes too far in discouraging tanking, particularly since fourth and fifth overall picks are not always elite prospects.

NBA owners are scheduled to vote on this proposal on May 28, 2026. If passed as written, Memphis's draft prospects in 2027 could be significantly impacted, depending on Utah's 2026 lottery outcome.