Grizzlies’ Zach Edey To Undergo Left Ankle Surgery

According to the team, the procedure will “resolve ongoing discomfort and talar bone stress” in Edey’s left ankle. The 23-year-old big man underwent left ankle surgery in June to address laxity in and re-stabilize the lateral ankle joint. Memphis consulted with several medical experts who unanimously agreed that Edey’s lateral ligaments are stable, but he continues to experience pain because of “progressive laxity of the deltoid (medial) ligaments.”

Edey’s latest left ankle surgery is being performed to “reinforce the medial ligament complex and accelerate bone healing,” per the Grizzlies.

2025/26 has been a season to forget for Edey, who played very well when active but has been limited to just 11 games played. Across his 11 outings, Edey averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes per game.

More notable than those stats were his on/off-court numbers — the Grizzlies outscored opponents by 18.3 points per 100 possessions and posted a defensive rating of 94.5 during Edey’s 284 minutes on the court.

The 23-year-old was a two-time AP Player of the Year at Purdue prior to being selected ninth overall in the 2024 draft. Edey’s season debut was delayed until Nov. 15 as he recovered from his initial surgery, then was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left ankle less than a month later.

While the Grizzlies said a return timeline will be provided post-surgery, it seems safe to assume Edey won’t play again this season. The 7’3″ Canadian is expected to make a full recovery, the team added.

Memphis also provided an injury update on Brandon Clarke, who has been out since Dec. 20 due to a Grade 2 right calf strain. The veteran forward/center, who has been plagued by a injuries the past few years, will be out at least two more weeks, which is the next time he’ll be reevaluated.

The 29-year-old underwent an arthroscopic procedure in September to address synovitis in his right knee after having his 2024/25 season cut short due to a PCL sprain in that same knee. Clarke sustained the calf strain in his second game of the ’25/26 season.

He also suffered an Achilles tear in March 2023, which ended his ’22/23 campaign prematurely and limited him to just six outings in ’23/24.