Grizzlies Exercise Options On Edey, Coward For 2027/28

The Grizzlies have picked up a pair of rookie scale team options for the 2027/28 season, the team announced today in a press release (Twitter link). Memphis has exercised Zach Edey’s $8.07MM fourth-year option, as well as Cedric Coward’s $6.29MM third-year option.

Edey was limited to 11 games last season after undergoing two surgical procedures on his left ankle. The first operation took place in June of 2025 to address “excessive ligamentous laxity,” and the second procedure was done in March to relieve ongoing discomfort and bone stress in the ankle.

Despite the lost season, the 7’3″ big man remains a key part of the Grizzlies’ long-term plans and has displayed tantalizing potential when he has been able to play, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes per game in 2025/26. He’ll become eligible for a rookie scale extension in July of 2027 and would reach restricted free agency in 2028 if he doesn’t sign a new deal before then.

Coward, 23, earned a spot on the All-Rookie first team this past spring after Memphis gave up a significant package of draft assets to move up to No. 11 to select him in the 2025 draft. The 6’5″ wing appeared in 62 games (47 starts) as a rookie, averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 25.8 minutes per game, with a .471/.338/.843 shooting line.

The Grizzlies will have until November 1 next year to decide whether to exercise Coward’s fourth-year option worth $8.34MM for the 2028/29 season.

Memphis had three players with rookie scale team options on their contracts entering the preseason, but the club waived the third of those players (Walter Clayton) earlier this week, so his option will be voided.