Roster crunch:: Memphis currently has 23 players under contract, including draft picks Cameron Boozer (No. 3), Karim Lopez (No. 21), and Richie Saunders. NBA rules allow only 15 standard roster spots and up to three two-way contracts.
Three players least likely to make the cut:: D'Angelo Russell (doesn't fit the timeline), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (declining production at $21.6M), and Taj Gibson (41 years old, non-guaranteed deal).
Cameron Boozer's confidence:: The Duke product and consensus National Player of the Year averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 39.1% from three. He says the Grizzlies will be **"shockingly good"** this season.
Frontcourt pairing:: Memphis is expected to pair Boozer with 7-foot-4 sophomore Zach Edey, forming one of the most intriguing young frontcourts in the league.
Why this matters:: This is a defining season for Memphis. If the young core clicks, the Grizzlies could fast-track their rebuild far sooner than analysts predict.
The Grizzlies' rebuild became official when the front office traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, and additional assets. The departures of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. followed, leaving the franchise with a blank slate and a treasure chest of draft capital.
General manager Zach Kleiman has since reshaped the roster under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who took over after the 2025 coaching change. The result is a team loaded with young talent but also carrying veteran salaries that complicate the roster math.
With 23 names attached to the roster, Memphis faces difficult decisions. Here's a breakdown of the three players most likely on the outside looking in:
1. D'Angelo Russell — The veteran guard's skillset doesn't align with Memphis's timeline. With Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Walter Clayton Jr., and young prospects AJ Johnson and Javon Small competing for backcourt minutes, Russell is expected to be waived, allowing him to join a contender in need of offensive firepower.
2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — The two-time NBA champion is the second-highest-paid Grizzly at $21.6 million, but his production has plummeted. Averaging just 8 points on inefficient shooting across 51 games, KCP could be moved with attached draft picks to shed salary.
3. Taj Gibson — At 41, Gibson is the oldest player ever to suit up for Memphis. While beloved in the locker room, his non-guaranteed contract and the crowded frontcourt (Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Cam Boozer, Jerami Grant, Quinten Post, Isaiah Stewart) make his departure almost certain.
Boozer arrives in Memphis after a historic freshman season at Duke, where he won every major National Player of the Year award and led the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight. His 17.1 box plus-minus led all of college basketball.
"I think people don't really understand that just because obviously it was kind of a rebuild, but you look at the players we have, the roster who we are bringing in this year, and I think we are going to have something pretty special," Boozer told Grind City Media.
The 19-year-old turns 19 in July and could be the youngest player in the league next season. He's leaning on advice from his father, two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, to stay present and focus on daily improvement rather than the big picture.
Memphis went 25-57 last season, losing 21 of its final 23 games — though tanking was clearly the objective. The young core now includes:
Cameron Boozer: (PF, 19) — The franchise cornerstone
Zach Edey: (C, 23) — Returning from ankle surgery
Cedric Coward: (SF, 22) — Second-year wing
Jaylen Wells: (SG, 22) — Developing guard
Karim Lopez: (PF, 19) — 2026 first-round pick
Richie Saunders: (SG, 22) — Second-round selection
The success of this group hinges on how quickly they develop chemistry and how Edey recovers from his offseason ankle procedure. But if Boozer's confidence is any indication, Memphis may not stay in the lottery for long.
Why do the Grizzlies need to cut players before opening night?
NBA teams are limited to 15 standard roster spots and up to three two-way contracts during the regular season. Memphis currently has 23 players under contract, meaning at least 5 players must be waived, traded, or moved to two-way deals.
How does Cameron Boozer fit with Zach Edey?
Boozer (6'9") and Edey (7'4") form a complementary frontcourt pairing. Boozer's face-up game, passing, and improved three-point shooting (39.1%) space the floor for Edey's post presence. Defensively, Edey anchors the paint while Boozer provides versatile switchability.
What happened to Ja Morant?
Ja Morant was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the Grizzlies' rebuild. Memphis received Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, and additional assets in return.
Can the Grizzlies really be competitive in 2026-27?
Cameron Boozer believes so. The team went 25-57 last season but was intentionally tanking. With a talented rookie class, returning young players, and veteran leadership from Jerami Grant and Ty Jerome, Memphis could exceed expectations — though most analysts project another lottery finish.
For Grizzlies fans:: Be patient but optimistic. The Boozer-Edey pairing offers a legitimate foundation, and the front office has accumulated significant draft capital for future moves.
For NBA followers:: Watch how Memphis navigates the CBA's roster restrictions. The decisions on Russell, Caldwell-Pope, and Gibson will signal the team's competitive timeline.
Key action:: Track Summer League performances — Boozer, Lopez, and Saunders will provide the first real glimpse of the new-look Grizzlies.
Bottom line:: Memphis may not contend for a title in 2026-27, but this team is built to rise faster than outsiders expect.
Do you think Cameron Boozer can lead the Grizzlies back to relevance faster than expected? Will D'Angelo Russell or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope find a home elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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