Memphis weighs roster cuts as four players face uncertain futures

Memphis Grizzlies are entering a decisive phase of their roster overhaul, with four players reportedly at risk of being waived to meet the 15‑contract limit for the regular season. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Walter Clayton Jr., D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Hawkins and Kris Murray could be cut following the latest trade that sent AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson to New Orleans in exchange for Hawkins, Micah Peavy and draft assets.

Russell is the most notable name, a former All‑Star who averaged 10.2 points and four assists last season but no longer fits Memphis’s youth‑driven direction. Hawkins struggled after a promising rookie year, while Clayton showed flashes despite inconsistent shooting. Murray delivered modest production after arriving in the Ja Morant trade. The roster crunch reflects Memphis’s full rebuild, now centered on Cameron Boozer, Karim Lopez and Richie Saunders, supported by Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart.