It is really in their best interest to give the pick now and be able to freely tank next season
I think there's a debate there. If Memphis stayed in the bottom-6, they'd have around a 40% chance of moving into the top-4, and a 9% shot at Zion.
By dropping to #9, they'd cut those odds basically in half.
Which move is better for their future? Maximizing odds this year, or next?
Maximizing next year, without question.
They are going to be very happy with a JV/JJJ front court right now (they are a fantastic pairing for them, Really like JV, would be a really nice frontcourt pairing with Horford.),
and they will undoubtedly get a nice pick in the offseason for Conley. (Detroit for Jackson, Kyrie Thomas, Galloway and their pick this year)
Also Parsons becomes a massive expiring next year that I am confident they could get a bad contract and a player or pick for.
(IE: Parsons for Batum and pick)
So that lets them run youth and not worry about losses moving forward because the pick is already traded.