Shocking Roster Shake-Up: Grizzlies Cut Former First-Rounder Walter Clayton Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies have officially finalized their roster for the upcoming regular season by waiving two players: Walter Clayton Jr., their 2025 No. 18 pick, and Micah Peavy, a former second-round pick. These strategic roster adjustments were made to meet the critical 5 p.m. ET cut-down deadline on Monday, ensuring the team's compliance with league regulations.

Leading up to these waivers, the Grizzlies had a crowded roster, entering Monday with 17 players under standard contracts, 16 of which were guaranteed, alongside three players on two-way deals. A notable pre-waiver development was the guaranteeing of Jaylen Wells' $2.3 million salary, which occurred earlier on Monday, further necessitating careful roster management.

Walter Clayton Jr. was originally acquired by Memphis on February 3 from the Utah Jazz as part of a significant eight-player trade. This complex transaction notably involved the Grizzlies sending Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Jazz in exchange for assets, including Clayton Jr. During his tenure with the Grizzlies last season following the trade, Clayton Jr. participated in 24 games. He recorded averages of 9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while also achieving a 36.6% success rate from three-point range. Despite his recent acquisition and draft position, the decision to waive him highlights the difficult choices made in optimizing the team's composition.

Micah Peavy, who was selected as the 40th pick in the 2025 draft, spent his rookie season playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. He appeared in 61 games for the Pelicans, starting in four of those contests. During his rookie campaign, Peavy averaged 4.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. His waiver, alongside Clayton Jr.'s, completes the Grizzlies' efforts to streamline their lineup and establish their definitive squad as they prepare for the start of the regular season.