Grizzlies Exercise Rookie Options on Coward and Edey
The Memphis organization has officially extended its rookie-scale contract commitments for Cedric Coward and Zach Edey.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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The Memphis Grizzlies have exercised their 2027-28 rookie-scale contract options for both Cedric Coward and Zach Edey. This move secures the two young players as part of the team's long-term roster development plan.
Why it matters
By exercising these options, the Grizzlies maintain contractual control over two high-performing rotation players who have both earned All-Rookie First Team honors. These decisions stabilize the team's core as both players continue their progression in the NBA.
Cedric Coward averaged 13.6 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 47.1% from the field, while Zach Edey has averaged 9.9 points and 8.7 rebounds over two seasons. Both players finished fifth in their respective Rookie of the Year voting.
The players
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association's Western Conference.
Cedric Coward
Cedric Coward is a professional basketball player who played college basketball at Washington State before being selected 11th overall in the 2025 NBA draft.
Zach Edey
Zach Edey is a professional basketball player who starred at Purdue University before the Grizzlies selected him ninth overall in 2024.
The details
The Grizzlies selected Zach Edey in the 2024 draft, while they picked Cedric Coward with the 11th selection in 2025. Both athletes have quickly integrated into the Memphis lineup, with Coward appearing in 62 games during his rookie campaign and Edey logging time over 77 appearances.
Timeline
Memphis drafted Zach Edey ninth overall in 2024.
Zach Edey made the All-Rookie First Team in 2024-25.
Memphis selected Cedric Coward as the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
Cedric Coward earned All-Rookie First Team honors in 2025-26.
The 2027-28 contract options were exercised for both players.
Season Trajectory
Securing these two former All-Rookie First Team selections ensures long-term stability for the Grizzlies' frontcourt and wing rotations. This decision allows the coaching staff to continue developing both players without the immediate distraction of impending free agency status.
Retaining both players keeps the Grizzlies' current rotation intact, maintaining continuity for future lineups and statistical output. Fantasy managers and fans can expect both Coward and Edey to remain central fixtures in the team's depth chart for the coming seasons.
The takeaway
Maintaining control of high-performing young talent is essential for modern NBA teams looking to build consistent championship contenders. Fans should look for how these young players continue to develop their respective averages in rebounding and scoring as their roles solidify.
Further reading
For more information on team moves, check out the latest updates in Memphis Basketball.
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