Grizzlies Sign Cooper To Two-Way Contract, Waive Lovering

More than three months after the agreement was first reported, the Grizzlies have officially signed Carson Cooper to a two-way contract, the team announced today (via Twitter).

Cooper spent four years at Michigan State prior to going undrafted in June. The 6’11” big man was a full-time starter as a senior in 2025/26, averaging 11.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 block in 35 games (26.7 minutes per contest).

Cooper, a Michigan native, shot 58.4% from the field as a senior and 78.8% from the free throw line. He helped the Spartans reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament last season.

Two-way players like Cooper are eligible to be active for up to 50 of their team’s 82 regular season games. Cooper will earn $678,882 in 2026/27, half of the rookie minimum.

Cooper will fill the Grizzlies’ third and final two-way spot. Memphis’ other two-way players are guards Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack.

Lawson Lovering has been waived to create a roster space for Cooper. Lovering will likely head back to the G League’s Memphis Hustle to open 2026/27.