The Memphis Grizzlies added Richie Saunders to a two-way contract on Saturday, Nov. 7, bringing in a rookie wing as the team continues to shape its roster. Saunders, a 6-foot-5 player out of BYU, joins Memphis in a move that gives the club another young option on the edge of its lineup.
The signing is drawing attention because Saunders was already known as the 32nd pick in this summer's draft, which makes the timing of the move notable. A player taken that high is usually expected to enter the league with a clear role, but the two-way arrangement points to a more flexible path between the Grizzlies and the lower levels of the roster structure.
Saunders comes out of BYU with a reputation for doing two things well: hitting 3-pointers and playing with energy. That profile helps explain why the Grizzlies would want him in the system now, even if the club has not said what opening made the signing necessary on this date.
What remains unclear is Saunders' next step. The Grizzlies have added the rookie to their roster structure, but they have not said whether he will get immediate minutes, spend time developing away from the main rotation, or be used as a depth piece while Memphis continues to sort out its options.
