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Grizzlies Sign Former Blazer 2 Days After Getting Waived

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 6:11 AM ET

It didn't take long for former second-round pick Rayan Rupert to find a new opportunity.

On Friday, the Portland Trail Blazers released Rupert in order to create a roster spot for Sidy Cissoko, whose two-way contract was converted to a standard NBA deal.

Rupert, who was taken No. 43 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, had played in 139 games for the Blazers in three seasons. He averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.4 steals. This 2025-26 season, prior to his release, he played in 48 games for Portland and put up 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.6 steals.

Now, just two days later, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Rupert is joining the Memphis Grizzlies on a 10-day contract.

"The Memphis Grizzlies are signing former Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert to a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN," Charania wrote. "The former second-round pick joins the Grizzlies after playing 139 games across 2-plus seasons in Portland."

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo looks on in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets.Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Grizzlies Need Depth Amid Injuries

The Grizzlies could really use backcourt help, so it will be interesting to see how big of a role Rupert will get with Memphis and how impactful he can be.

It's worth noting that the Grizzlies are dealing with plenty of injuries. In particular, superstar guard Ja Morant is expected to be sidelined until the first week of March, at the very least.

Morant has been out since Jan. 21 due to an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow. In the Grizzlies' recent update, the team noted that while Morant has progressed in his recovery, there's still some "discomfort."

There's also Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery to "address misalignment of his right pinky finger."

Memphis plays the Sacramento Kings on Monday, and in their injury report, several players have been ruled out beyond just Morant and Caldwell-Pope.

Santi Aldama (knee), Brandon Clarke (calf), Cedric Coward (knee) and Zach Edey (ankle) have been officially sidelined for the game as they continue to deal with their respective health setbacks.

Throughout Rupert's 10-day contract, the Grizzlies will also be facing the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Considering Memphis' need for a healthy body, Rupert should get some playing time during that stretch.

The Grizzlies are 21-34 on the season and have lost seven of their last 10 games. They still have a shot at competing for a play-in spot, but it remains to be seen if they can string some wins together amid their difficult situation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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