Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Grizzlies Signing 7-Foot-1 Rookie Center to a 10-Day Contract

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 10, 2026 8:25 AM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies signaled that they are ready to rebuild after trading former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz ahead of the deadline.

Memphis received three first-round draft picks, as well as Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks and Georges Niang. Aside from Jackson, the Grizzlies also gave up center Jock Landale and guards John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr. to complete the transaction.

While the Grizzlies got a significant return, however, they were also left with a depleted frontcourt following the departures of Jackson and Landale.

The Grizzlies still have Santi Aldama, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke capable of anchoring the center position. The problem is, all three players are currently sidelined due to injuries. During Monday's game against the Warriors, Aldama was sidelined with a right knee injury, while Edey was out because of an ankle issue. Clarke, for his part, missed the contest as he continues his recovery from a calf problem.

With that in mind, it didn't come as a surprise that the Grizzlies decided to add depth to the frontcourt.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Grizzlies are "signing 7-foot-1 rookie center Lawson Lovering to a 10-day contract."

Lovering, who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been playing for the Grizzlies' G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, this season. He is averaging 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in the G League.

The 22-year-old center signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Grizzlies in September and played in four preseason games. He averaged 2.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 9.5 minutes per game, but he was eventually waived in mid-October.

Memphis Grizzlies center Lawson Lovering (34) and Atlanta Hawks forward Jacob Toppin (0) battle for a rebound.Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Will Lawson Lovering Get a Chance With the Grizzlies?

Considering the Grizzlies' need for a healthy body, Lovering should get some playing time when the team plays the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

However, that's the Grizzlies' final game before the All-Star break. That means, depending on how he performs and the team's need, Memphis could either give him another 10-day contract or send him back to the G League.

The Memphis Grizzlies are signing 7-foot-1 rookie center Lawson Lovering to a 10-day contract, agents Drew Kelso and Clay Mallory of @OneMotiveSports told @hoopshype. The former Utah Utes center has spent this season with the Memphis Hustle in the G League. pic.twitter.com/eA9wfvCJ3p
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 9, 2026

Aldama missed his third straight game with his knee injury against the Warriors, and it's unknown if he'll be able to suit up against the Nuggets.

Edey, on the other hand, has not played since Dec. 7. On Jan. 14, it was reported that Edey would need another six weeks to recover from a stress reaction in his left ankle. That puts him on track to be available by late February, at the earliest.

Clarke, meanwhile, has only played two games this season and was last seen in action on Dec. 20. On the same day as the update on Edey, the Grizzlies noted that the veteran forward would need another four to six weeks to recover from a Grade 2 right calf strain.

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

More must-reads: