The Memphis Grizzlies have signed rookie Richie Saunders to a two-way contract, adding a 6-foot-5 wing who was taken with the 32nd pick in the draft this summer.
The move was completed on Saturday, Nov. 7, giving Memphis another young option to work with as it continues to shape its roster. Saunders arrives with a reputation as a 3-point shooter and a high-energy team player, traits that should make him an easy fit in a developmental role.
A new opportunity for Saunders
Saunders' draft position underlines the level of expectation around him. Being selected 32nd means he entered the league with real value attached, and the two-way deal gives the Grizzlies a chance to keep building on that investment without rushing the process.
For Memphis, this is the kind of move that can matter later in the season. A two-way contract does not guarantee a permanent rotation role, but it does create a clear pathway for a rookie who already brings shooting and energy to the table.
What Memphis gets
The Grizzlies are adding a player who fits the profile of a modern wing: 6-foot-5, capable of spacing the floor, and willing to bring effort every time he steps on the court. That combination is often what keeps rookies around the league, especially when they can make quick contributions without needing the ball.
There is nothing flashy about the transaction, but it is a useful one. Memphis has identified a young player with a defined skill set, and Saunders now has the chance to prove that his draft standing was justified.
