The Memphis Grizzlies made a significant move during the 2025 NBA Draft, acquiring Washington State senior Cedric Coward from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for a package headlined by Yang Hansen, the No. 16 overall pick.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Memphis is sending Hansen, a 2028 first-round selection via Orlando, and two second-rounders to Portland in the deal for Coward, who was selected 11th overall.
Coward, a 6-foot-6 senior wing from Washington State, spent three years at Eastern Washington before transferring for his final collegiate season.
In 2024-25, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists over six games, shooting 55.7% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc.
Coward’s efficient scoring and physical rebounding have made him a rising prospect, especially given his 83.9% shooting from the free-throw line and ability to guard multiple positions.
Over his collegiate career, the Baltimore native played 73 total games and posted averages of 12.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 59.3% overall and 38.6% from three.
The Grizzlies, who finished 48–34 and secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference, are looking to bolster depth on the wing as they retool for another playoff run.
For Portland, the deal adds future draft flexibility as the franchise continues to build around young core pieces after a 36–46 finish.
The additional 2028 first-rounder from Orlando and two second-round picks give the Trail Blazers added capital for future moves or roster development.
Coward becomes the second first-round selection for Memphis in three years and the first college senior taken by the team in the lottery since 2016.
