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Memphis Grizzlies Reportedly Will Release 2-Year NBA Player

Originally posted on Fastbreak on FanNation
By Ben Stinar | Last updated 12/17/23

On Monday evening, the Memphis Grizzlies will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Following Monday's game, Ja Morant will be eligible to return from his 25-game suspension (on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans).

To make room on the roster, Damichael Cole of Commercial Appeal reported that the Grizzlies will likely waive Kenneth Lofton Jr.

Via Cole: "News: The Grizzlies are expected to part ways with Kenneth Lofton Jr. as a result of the roster crunch with Ja Morant returning from suspension, per source.

Lofton was the G League Rookie of the Year last season and will generate league interest."

News: The Grizzlies are expected to part ways with Kenneth Lofton Jr. as a result of the roster crunch with Ja Morant returning from suspension, per source.

Lofton was the G League Rookie of the Year last season and will generate league interest.

Story: https://t.co/T3WNbsQohy
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) December 17, 2023

Lofton Jr. has played in 15 games so far this season and is averaging 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 37.8% from the field and 30.0% from the three-point range.

He played his college basketball for Louisiana Tech and is in his second season in the NBA (all with the Grizzlies).

Kenneth Lofton Jr. named G League Rookie of the Year (via @nbagleague) pic.twitter.com/x0ckabnCJ9
— Overtime (@overtime) March 31, 2023

As for the Grizzlies, they have struggled without Morant in the lineup.

They are the 13th seed in the Western Conference with a 6-18 record in their first 24 games.

In addition, the Grizzlies have gone 3-7 over their last ten games and are in the middle of a four-game losing streak.

Most recently, they lost to the Houston Rockets by a score of 103-96 on Friday at home.

The Grizzlies are expected to part ways with center Kenneth Lofton Jr., per @DamichaelC.

Memphis has 16 players on their roster after signing Bismack Biyombo with a suspension exemption, and they need to waive a player before Ja Morant returns on December 19th. pic.twitter.com/bTh39qL1pS
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 17, 2023

The Grizzlies have made the NBA playoffs for three straight seasons and are coming off a year where they were the second seed in the Western Conference with a 51-31 record.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on FanNation and was syndicated with permission.

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