Memphis Grizzlies Waive Clayton Jr. and Peavy
The Memphis Grizzlies released Walter Clayton Jr. and Micah Peavy ahead of the NBA's upcoming roster deadline.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Basketball
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially waived Walter Clayton Jr. and Micah Peavy. These moves come as the organization works to finalize its roster before the league-mandated cutdown deadline.
Why it matters
NBA teams must trim their rosters to comply with strict league personnel limits before the start of the regular season. These final adjustments determine the lineup each franchise will carry into Opening Night.
The NBA requires teams to finalize their rosters by the 5 PM Eastern deadline on Monday. Following these cuts, Walter Clayton Jr. may be in consideration for a roster spot with the Sacramento Kings.
The players
Memphis Grizzlies
This is a professional basketball team that competes in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association.
Walter Clayton Jr.
He is a professional basketball player who is now looking for a new roster spot after being waived.
Micah Peavy
He is a professional basketball player who was released by the team during the final roster evaluation period.
Ben Simmons
He is an NBA player who recently suffered a significant injury that will sideline him for the entire season.
The details
The Grizzlies executed these roster changes to meet personnel requirements ahead of the league's deadline. While Clayton Jr. and Peavy are now available, the team continues to manage its composition for the upcoming season.
Timeline
October 18, 2026: Ben Simmons suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during practice.
October 19, 2026: The team processed the roster cuts ahead of the 5 PM Eastern deadline.
Season Trajectory
These personnel decisions are standard procedural steps taken by all NBA franchises to adhere to the league's strict roster constraints before the season begins. Each move effectively shapes the competitive depth of the roster as teams finalize their rotations for the upcoming schedule.
These roster cuts directly impact the final active personnel available for the Memphis Grizzlies' upcoming games. Fans should note that Walter Clayton Jr. is now a free agent and could potentially join the Sacramento Kings roster.
The takeaway
NBA franchises often make late-stage roster adjustments to maximize their efficiency under salary and personnel caps. Players who are waived during this period may find new opportunities with different teams as the regular season approaches.
Further reading
For more news on the league, visit our Basketball section.
