Grizzlies Sign Cam Spencer To Four-Year Contract
1:00pm: Spencer has officially signed his new four-year contract, the Grizzlies announced this afternoon (via Twitter).
11:48am: After initially agreeing to a two-year, minimum-salary contract when free agency opened on June 30, the Grizzlies and Cam Spencer have since amended the terms of that agreement, agents Mark Bartelstein and Ross Aroyo tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
According to Charania, Spencer will now be signing a four-year, $10.5MM contract that includes three fully guaranteed seasons. The fourth year will be a team option, tweets Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The 53rd pick of the 2024 draft after winning a national championship with UConn, Spencer appeared in 25 games with the Grizzlies last season, averaging 4.2 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 10.1 minutes per contest. His shooting line was .415/.365/1.000.
The 25-year-old combo guard had a much bigger role in his eight G League appearances (32.2 MPG) with the Memphis Hustle in ’24/25, averaging 23.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.5 APG and 1.2 SPG on .538/.493/.765 shooting.
When the Grizzlies initially agreed to a two-year, minimum-salary deal with Spencer, they likely didn’t know whether or not they’d have to renounce his rights in order to accommodate Jaren Jackson‘s renegotiated contract.
It appears Memphis was able to hang onto Spencer’s Non-Bird rights while maintaining enough cap room for Jackson’s new deal, which will allow the club to go beyond two years and a little above the minimum for Spencer.
As we wrote earlier today, Spencer’s deal with the Grizzlies is one of four reported signings that will likely be officially completed now that Jackson’s renegotiation and extension is complete.
Grizzlies, Cam Spencer Agree To Two-Year Deal
The Grizzlies have agreed to a two-year, $4.5MM contract with guard Cam Spencer, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). The deal is fully guaranteed, Charania adds.
Memphis made Spencer a restricted free agent on Sunday by tendering him a qualifying offer. He spent 2024/25 — his rookie season — on a two-way contract with Memphis.
It’s likely that Spencer will sign a minimum-salary contract, which would be worth approximately $4.46MM over the next two seasons.
The 53rd pick of the 2024 draft after winning a national championship with UConn, Spencer appeared in 25 games with the Grizzlies last season, averaging 4.2 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 10.1 minutes per contest. His shooting line was .415/.365/1.000.
The 25-year-old combo guard had a much bigger role in his eight appearances (32.2 MPG) with the Memphis Hustle in ’24/25, averaging 23.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.5 APG and 1.2 SPG on .538/.493/.765 shooting.
Spencer will provide depth and outside shooting to the Grizzlies’ backcourt after they traded Desmond Bane to Orlando. They’re also reportedly renegotiating and extending Jaren Jackson Jr. and re-signing Santi Aldama.
Grizzlies Extend Qualifying Offer To Santi Aldama
The Grizzlies have issued a qualifying offer to impending free agent forward Santi Aldama, making him a restricted free agent, reports Michael Scotto for HoopsHype (via Twitter).
Aldama has become a crucial part of the Grizzlies’ big-man rotation, starting 71 games over the last three years for Memphis. In 2024/25, he averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 points, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 36.8% from three, all career-high numbers. He also averaged 13.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG while shooting 41.7% from three in the Grizzlies’ four playoff games this spring.
His size at 6’11” and versatile skill set have allowed Aldama to play with equal comfort alongside star big man Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, or Brandon Clarke, and even occasionally play in three-big lineups as the small forward.
It has been reported that Aldama may have his share of suitors willing to offer the full mid-level of $14.1MM annually, with the Pistons being a team that has been heavily linked to the Spanish big man. By extending the qualifying offer, the Grizzlies have ensured that they can match any offer another team makes.
The Grizzlies also tendered a two-way qualifying offer to Cam Spencer, making him a restricted free agent, tweets Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian. The 25-year-old averaged 4.2 PPG, 1.4 APG, and 1.2 RPG in 25 games (10.1 MPG) for Memphis as a rookie after being drafted 53rd overall a year ago.
Grizzlies Notes: Spencer, Assistant Coaches, Jenkins, Kleiman
Two-way Grizzlies rookie guard Cam Spencer has seen an uptick in minutes of late. The UConn alum has thrived in his expanded rotation role with the club. The 6’3″ pro spoke to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype about how he’s relishing the extra run.
“As a competitor, you want to get as many minutes as you can to help contribute to winning for the team,” Spencer said. “It’s the NBA, so guys are in and out of the rotation. It’s cliché, but you do have to control what you can control a lot of times. With injuries and moving pieces, sometimes you get 20 minutes a game, and sometimes you get none or five minutes where the team needs a spark, so you really have to control what you can. You continue to work hard, control your attitude, and be ready when your number is called.”
Spencer reflected on the realities of life on a two-way contract, where young players are toggled between teams’ NBA and G League affiliate rosters.
“As a two-way player, your schedule is changing by the hour at times,” Spencer said. “You will literally be on a road trip, maybe going to practice or planning to go to practice, and then you get a call, and you have to leave the city within an hour to get back to the Grizzlies from being with the Hustle (Memphis’ G League affiliate). You play in the Hustle game for 30 minutes, then come back up top, and maybe you only get a few minutes. It’s a lot of just staying ready for your opportunities when they come, and that’s a lot of the NBA, especially on the two-way contract.”
Across 20 NBA games with the Grizzlies, Spencer has averaged 3.9 PPG, 1.4 RPG and 1.3 APG in 10.0 MPG. He has a solid .421/.371/1.000 shooting line.
There’s more out of Memphis:
- In addition to firing head coach Taylor Jenkins on Friday, the Grizzlies have let go a pair of his assistants. Sources tell ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Shams Charania (Twitter link) that assistant coaches Noah LaRoche and Patrick St. Andrews were also axed. MacMahon notes that LaRoche had been a key contributor to the Grizzlies’ new offensive approach in 2024/25. Another one of Jenkins’ assistants, Tuomas Iisalo, was promoted to serve as his replacement in an interim capacity.
- Although the decision to move on from Jenkins may have seemed sudden, fissures had apparently been forming for a while, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. The Grizzlies let Jenkins go after having lost four of their last five contests. A source tells Cole that several Memphis players were “shocked” to hear the news. Tensions had also developed between rookie center Zach Edey and Jenkins, according to Cole, who notes that the rookie had been removed from the starting lineup for the Grizzlies’ last three games. “[General manager Zach Kleiman] blamed Taylor,” a source told Cole. “Taylor blamed Zach. No one takes accountability for absolutely anything.”
- In case you missed it, injured two-time All-Star Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is considered “day-to-day” to return from a left hamstring strain that has cost him Memphis’ last six games. He’s listed as questionable to play vs. the Lakers on Saturday.
Southwest Notes: Tate, Spencer, Morant, Mavs, Zion
Jae’Sean Tate only played the final 2:27 of the Rockets‘ win over Orlando on Monday, but it was a big night for the veteran forward. As Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets, Tate earned a $500K bonus as a result of Houston’s victory.
Tate’s contract includes language that assures him of that bonus if the Rockets win at least 40 regular season games, and Monday’s win was their 40th of the season. Since Houston finished last season with a 41-41 record, the bonus had been considered “likely” and was already incorporated into Tate’s cap hit, so the fact that he earned it again won’t affect Houston’s cap situation.
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- Grizzlies rookie Cam Spencer had the best game of his young career on Monday, scoring a season-high 16 points in 20 minutes to help Memphis eke out a win over Phoenix and talking trash to Suns star Kevin Durant along the way, as Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal details.“He’s psycho,” teammate Ja Morant told Grind City Media in his post-game interview. “But I love it though.” Morant added that he planned cover the $2,000 fine that will accompany the technical foul Spencer received following his interaction with Durant.
- With just eight healthy players available on Monday, including one (Caleb Martin) on a minutes restriction and none over 6’8″, the Mavericks were still able to pull out a win over San Antonio, pushing their lead over Phoenix for the No. 10 seed in the West back to 2.5 games. “High school, that’s what it feels like sometimes, because we’re so small,” Klay Thompson said, per Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com. “But we got a lot of heart. So, heart over height, you know?”
- Rod Walker of NOLA.com argues that the Pelicans are doing their fans a disservice by sitting star forward Zion Williamson in New Orleans in instances where they have back-to-back sets consisting of one road game and one home game. While Walker’s argument is understandable, it’s worth noting that the NBA’s player participation policy, which applies this season to Williamson, discourages teams from resting players on the road.
Grizzlies’ Spencer Breaks Thumb; Smart Week-To-Week
Grizzlies rookie Cam Spencer fractured his left thumb on Thursday while taking part in a practice with the Memphis Hustle in the G League, according to a press release from the team.
Spencer will require surgery to repair the break and will be reevaluated in three weeks, the Grizzlies said in their statement.
The 53rd overall pick in the 2024 draft, Spencer missed the first several weeks of his rookie season due to an ankle injury. Since getting healthy in mid-November, he has appeared in 10 contests for Memphis, including eight of the team’s past 14 games. He has averaged 4.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 12.5 minutes per game with a shooting line of .429/.333/1.000 across those eight recent outings.
The Grizzlies also issued an injury update on veteran guard Marcus Smart, who has been unavailable since December 21 due to a partial tear of the proximal extensor hood of his right index finger.
According to the club, Smart is making progress in his rehab and is now considered week-to-week. While that’s somewhat vague, it suggests a January return remains in play for the 30-year-old.
Injuries have been a problem for Smart since he was traded to the Grizzlies during the 2023 offseason. He was able to suit up for just 20 games last season and has been limited to 18 so far in 2024/25. In total, he has missed 82 of 120 regular season contests since arriving in Memphis.
Grizzlies Notes: Trade Options, GG Jackson, Morant, JJJ, More
Reporting on Monday suggested the Grizzlies were among the teams discussing the possibility of pursuing Jimmy Butler, but a Tuesday report stated that Memphis has been advised not to trade for the 35-year-old, who is allegedly uninterested in joining the Western Conference’s current No. 3 seed.
If that puts an end to the idea of the Grizzlies acquiring Butler, what are the most logical alternatives on the trade market for the front office? Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal weighs that question, suggesting three possible paths for the team.
Checking in on Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is one option the Grizzlies could consider, according to Cole, who says focusing on Nets forward Cameron Johnson might also make sense for a team that could use an upgrade on the wing.
Of course, standing pat and seeing how this version of the team performs down the stretch and in the postseason is another viable route, Cole writes, noting that it could benefit the Grizzlies to take a longer look at youngsters like GG Jackson and Vince Williams once they’re healthy.
Here’s more out of Memphis:
- Speaking of Jackson, he appears to be nearing his season debut after recovering from offseason surgery on his right foot. The Grizzlies announced on Tuesday (via Twitter) that the second-year forward was assigned to the Memphis Hustle to participate in today’s practice.
- Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been out of his sling for at least four days and is doing more on-court work as he moves closer to a return from his shoulder injury, Cole writes for The Commercial Appeal. “It is going to be on the shorter term than the longer term,” head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Monday. “He is making progress. I cannot pinpoint a game, but I don’t think that it will be much longer.”
- In two more Commercial Appeal stories, Cole examines Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s growing case for All-Star consideration and details a memorable day for brothers Cam Spencer of the Grizzlies and Pat Spencer of the Warriors, who shared the same NBA court for the first time on Saturday in Golden State and even spent a few possessions guarding one another.
- Grizzlies point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. recently spoke to Grant Afseth of RG.org about stepping into a starting role with Morant sidelined, why and how he’s succeeded in Memphis, and the lessons he learned from his Hall-of-Fame father Scottie Pippen, among other topics.
Ja Morant ‘Week To Week’ With Shoulder Injury
Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant will miss multiple games due to another shoulder injury. Morant has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder and is considered week-to-week, according to a team press release.
Morant, who suffered the injury against the Pelicans on Friday, underwent season-ending surgery in January to repair a labral tear in the same shoulder.
Morant has flashed All-Star form in his return this season, averaging 21.2 points, 7.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game. He has appeared in 20 of the team’s 33 contests, missing eight consecutive games in November due to a posterior hip subluxation.
The latest injury will likely prevent Morant from making any All-NBA teams this season. Players are required to appear in 65 games to be considered for major awards.
Morant was limited to nine games last season due to a league suspension and then the shoulder injury.
Another prominent Memphis guard, Marcus Smart, is dealing with a finger injury and is expected to miss at least a couple weeks of action.
With Morant and Smart sidelined, Scotty Pippen Jr. will join Desmond Bane in the starting backcourt. Luke Kennard and two-way rookie Cam Spencer are the top options off the bench.
Southwest Notes: Smart, Spencer, VanVleet, Wembanyama
Marcus Smart‘s willingness to come off the bench has made a big impression on his Grizzlies teammates, Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal writes. Smart, who started 185 regular season games between bench appearances from 2021-24, has been part of Memphis’ second unit in his last six outings.
“That’s a vet, that’s a pro,” Grizzlies star Ja Morant said. “That’s what he brings to this team. Obviously, it’s a different situation than he’s been in in his career, but for him to embrace that and still push guys like Jaylen (Wells), who’s in the starting lineup, to be even better, and then he comes in and makes a difference for us in the game. It’s his handle . . . We’re very appreciative.”
Smart is averaging 16.7 points and 5.7 assists over the last three games. His current contract runs through next season.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Rookie guard and second-round pick Cam Spencer had a huge game at the NBA G League level for the Grizzlies’ affiliate, Cole notes. Spencer erupted for 51 points for the Memphis Hustle, including 12 three-pointers, against the Birmingham Squadron on Monday. Spencer, who won a national title with UConn in the spring, is on a two-way contract.
- The Rockets are playing like true contenders. They’re just a half-game out of the top spot in the West after defeating conference leader Oklahoma City behind Fred VanVleet‘s 38 points. “The foundation that we’re laying, it’s easy to see it when you’re just competing,” VanVleet told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “But to see wins against good teams at different stages of the season, it’s a good sign that what we’re doing is working. We’re getting better.”
- Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama posted his third career triple-double (34 points, 14 rebounds, and a career-high 11 assists) in a win over Sacramento despite an uneven performance through the first three quarters, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. “I thought he had some very poor moments in the first three quarters in terms of fundamentals and solid basketball,” acting head coach Mitch Johnson said. “And it’s a testament to him, and his ability to lock in (that he figured it out). I thought in the fourth quarter, (that) he was a man. And I thought he dominated. He’s so good, but the dominating (of) the fundamentals for him — the catches, the passes, the solid stuff — (is key). It’s still spectacular, but when he does that, he’s a load.”
Grizzlies’ Vince Williams To Miss At Least Four Weeks With Ankle Sprain
Grizzlies wing Vince Williams Jr. suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain and will be reevaluated in four weeks, the team announced on Thursday. Williams suffered the injury in the second quarter of Memphis’ game against the Nuggets on Tuesday.
It’s a tough blow for Williams, who missed the first 12 games of the season due to a stress reaction in his left leg. The former VCU player made his return to an NBA court on Friday. He averaged 5.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in his two-and-a-half healthy games.
Upon his return from that injury, Williams was reinserted into the rotation with Memphis dealing with absences throughout the lineup, including Ja Morant, Zach Edey and GG Jackson.
While the Grizzlies are healthier than they were last season and their depth is improved, it’s still a tough blow for a team looking to contend for a playoff spot. Memphis is 9-7 and ranks eighth in the Western Conference entering Thursday’s action.
Williams, in his third year in the league, spent the first season-and-a-half of his time in the NBA on a two-way contract. Moving up the depth chart last season as a result of Memphis’ injuries, Williams thrived and earned a contract promotion, averaging 10.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 44.6% from the field and 37.8% from three.
With Williams out and John Konchar missing Wednesday’s game with an illness, two-way player Cam Spencer played just under 10 minutes in his NBA debut upon returning from an ankle injury. He may continue to see spot minutes with Williams out while the Grizzlies get healthier.