Thu, Jun 26, 2014 at 12:00am

GRIZZ GETS ANOTHER BRUISING BIG MAN IN STOKES

The Memphis Grizzlies acquired the draft rights to power forward Jarnell Stokes from the Utah Jazz for a second-round draft pick in 2015.

What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
Stokes is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft, and is a perfect fit for the still-contending Grizzlies and their style: he's a big, strong, physical presence in the paint who will battle for rebounds. His addition should let {P Zach Randolph} rest more often, and Stokes also gives Memphis another option for replacing the aging Randolph in the future.

What does it give the Utah Jazz
The Jazz already has two rookie salaries to pay (in first-rounders {P Dante Exum} and {P Rodney Hood}) so they save some money here by moving Stokes. It's unlikely the future second-rounder will land a player as good as Stokes, but at least Utah receives an asset in return for a pick that didn't fit into their shorter-term plans.

Fantasy impact
Look for Stokes to battle {P Ed Davis} right away for backup big-man minutes in Memphis. Stokes will likely have some fringe fantasy value for teams needing rebounds, but as a rookie who isn't likely starting he isn't very fantasy-relevant yet.

Player focus

Memphis Grizzlies

Jarnell Stokes C/F

Utah Jazz

a second-round draft pick in 2015