Grizzlies Waive Walter Clayton Jr. and Micah Peavy Before Cut Deadline

Roster Moves Before Deadline

The Memphis Grizzlies made final cuts to set their regular season roster ahead of Monday's 5 p.m. ET deadline. The team decided to waive guard Walter Clayton Jr. and forward Micah Peavy.

Memphis entered the day carrying 17 players on standard contracts along with three players on two way contracts. With 16 of those standard contracts fully guaranteed, the front office needed to trim the group to get under the league limits.

Clayton and Peavy Depart

Clayton was taken 18th overall in the 2025 draft. Memphis acquired him from the Utah Jazz on Feb. 3 in an eight player trade. That deal sent Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah.

During his time with Memphis last season, Clayton played in 24 games. He averaged 9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 36.6 percent from three point range.

Peavy entered the league as the 40th pick in the 2025 draft. He spent his rookie year with the New Orleans Pelicans, appearing in 61 games and making four starts. He recorded averages of 4.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game before joining Memphis.

Guaranteeing Wells and Moving Forward

While Clayton and Peavy were waived, another young player locked in his deal. Jaylen Wells saw his $2.3 million salary become fully guaranteed on Monday as Memphis finalized its roster.

What it means for the next game

Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies (NBA, Thu, 22 Oct): Memphis Grizzlies win 50%, Utah Jazz win 50%; projected score Memphis Grizzlies 122, Utah Jazz 120. Our safest pick: Grizzlies +6.5.

Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (NBA, Sat, 24 Oct): Golden State Warriors win 74%, Memphis Grizzlies win 26%; projected score Golden State Warriors 122, Memphis Grizzlies 115. Our safest pick: Grizzlies +15.5.