The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to pick ninth in the 2024 NBA Draft, but that may not be their landing spot when it's all said and done.

According to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, the Grizzlies may be looking to move up in the draft as high as No. 3 overall. That pick is owned by the Houston Rockets. The NBA Draft will be held on June 26-27.

"League sources say the Rockets have had conversation with the Grizzlies about trading down from this pick, and that the Rockets hold out hope that the Nets would be willing to move Mikal Bridges for it," O'Connor wrote.

If Memphis moves up in the draft, it will likely be with the hope of acquiring a big man that could be a long-term fit and potential starter. UConn center Donovan Clingan and French big man Alex Sarr both meet that criteria.

Sarr and Clingan are expected to be top-10 picks. While many mock drafts have Sarr firmly going in the top three, Clingan's range is wider. He's been mocked as high as No. 2 on some draft boards, but he's also been a popular choice to fall to the Grizzlies at No. 9.

Picking at nine and wanting to acquire a big man in this draft is a tough spot. Depending on how much the Grizzlies weigh value, they'll either need to trade up for one of the top two bigs or entertain the idea of moving down to get another player at better value.

"League sources say the Grizzlies are looking to trade up in the draft," O'Connor later wrote. "Could it be for center Donovan Clingan?"

The Rockets entertaining the idea of trading the No. 3 overall pick isn't a surprise, considering they brought in veterans like former Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks via a sign-and-trade last offseason to help shift the culture. Houston also acquired Steven Adams in a trade with Memphis in February.

History shows that even though the Rockets and Grizzlies are division rivals, they don't mind talking to get a deal done.

Memphis has a goal of adding a big man this offseason to strengthen its rotation. If that's to happen in the draft, trading up for one of the two surefire lottery pick bigs may be the best route.

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Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies could trade up with Rockets in 2024 NBA Draft