Spurs Traded Kennedy Chandler Draft Rights for Future Second Round Pick

Yesterday, the San Antonio Spurs chose Kennedy Chandler during the draft. But almost immediately they traded his draft rights in exchange for a future second round pick. Let’s take a look at the details of this move.

The San Antonio Spurs Traded Kennedy Chandler Draft Rights to the Grizzlies

The Spurs drafted Kennedy Chandler with the 38th overall selection during the second round of the draft. They then traded Kennedy Chandler’s draft rights to the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, they received a future second round pick as well as cash considerations. You can view the team’s official tweet about the decision below:

You may remember us discussing the possibility of drafting Kennedy Chandler in our Final Spurs Big Board. While he might have been a suitable fit on the team, especially with trade rumors swirling about Dejounte Murray, a future second round draft pick and cash are a solid value in exchange for Chandler’s draft rights.

Chandler is local to Memphis. Thus far, he has averaged 13.9 points and 4.7 assists. Both his local roots and his defensive abilities make him a good fit for the Grizzlies.

You now know what the Spurs chose to do with the 38th pick. But you may be wondering about their other picks. With the 20th pick, the Spurs claimed shooting guard Malaki Branham from Ohio State. Branham was a logical and unsurprising choice for the Spurs due to both his offensive strength and his work ethic. The Spurs used the 25th pick to take Blake Wesley, a Notre Dame freshman. This player has excellent potential—exactly the kind the Spurs are so adept at developing. With both of these selections, the team has focused on the backcourt. With the 9th overall pick, the Spurs opted for Jeremy Sochan from Baylor. While he may not be the most reliable shooter (yet), his defensive capabilities make him an exciting selection.

By drafting these players, the Spurs have made some logical moves to potentially improve their roster going into the next season. And by choosing to trade the draft rights for Kennedy Chandler in exchange for the future second round pick and cash, they have also have taken some steps to improve their bargaining power over a longer timeframe. It was a balanced approach to this year’s draft, and should position the team well for the upcoming season.