MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Memphis Grizzlies were the only team to vote against the NBA’s new anti-tanking measures, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
The 29-1 vote will expand the draft lottery from 14 to 16 teams, while punishing the worst three teams in the league with lesser chances at receiving the number 1 pick in the lottery.
The push to deter tanking was done in response to a number of NBA teams, including the Grizzlies, pushing to lose on purpose after the trade deadline.
The Grizzlies, however, may be uniquely punished under the new system.
The Grizzlies own the Utah Jazz’s first-round pick in 2027, which they acquired in a trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah several months ago.
Under the new anti-tanking rules, that pick cannot fall within the top 5 because Utah would not be allowed to have a top 5 pick in three straight seasons.
As written, there are no rules in place to combat the change in value of draft picks that were already traded before the anti-tanking rules were adopted.
It’s unclear if there will be any remedy for the traded picks, but more changes could be implemented in the future.
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