Karim Lopez Signs Rookie Contract With Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have signed first-round pick Karim Lopez, the team announced (via Twitter).

The 19-year-old small forward was the 21st selection last month after Memphis traded down twice on draft night. He is the final first-round pick to sign his rookie contract.

Lopez is expected to make $3,746,760 as a rookie in 2026/27 and $18,368,804 over his first four seasons. As with all rookie scale contracts, the final two years are team options.

He was held out of Summer League action with a mild left hamstring strain he suffered during the pre-draft process.

Lopez spent the past two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL’s Next Stars program. He averaged 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks in 24.4 minutes in 58 games (53 starts) during that time. He scored 358 points last season, the highest total ever for a draft-eligible player in Next Stars history.

A member of the Mexican national team, Lopez hails from Hermosillo, Mexico, making him the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

A crowded roster has delayed the Grizzlies in getting their draft picks under contract. No. 3 choice Cameron Boozer didn’t sign until July 13, and No. 32 selection Richie Saunders remains unsigned.