Memphis is making a roster move on an intriguing big man after the trade deadline
The Memphis Grizzlies had a surprising NBA trade deadline, signaling that they are close to hitting the reset button sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. After the deadline, The Grizzlies waived veterans Eric Gordon and Georges Niang, opens one place in the list. The Grizzlies temporarily turned 15 roster spot on Monday by signing rookie big man Lawson Lovering to a 10-day contract, according to Hoopshape’s Michael Scott.
By signing Lawson Lovering, the Grizzlies return a familiar face as he spent training camp and the preseason with the team. At the conclusion of his original 10-day contract, the Grizzlies can choose to sign him to another 10-day contract before having to sign him to the end of the season or cut him. It’s a good way for the team to evaluate him before making a final decision.
Lovering went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft and joined the Grizzlies during summer league. The team liked what they saw enough to invite him to training camp. During the preseason, Lovering appeared in four games, averaging 2.0 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 75 percent from the field.
After Lovering was cut just before the start of the regular season, he eventually joined the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate. He played in 24 games with the Hustle before his call-up, logging just over 26 minutes per game. Loving averaged 7.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 blocks while shooting 58.7 percent from the field.
The Grizzlies next game is Monday night against the Golden State Warriors. It will be Lovering’s first chance at real NBA minutes. The team lacks arms in the frontcourt, with Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama all out for the Warriors.
2026-02-09 21:48:00
