Grizzlies Sign Richie Saunders to Two-Way Deal
Memphis adds the former BYU guard, who is returning from an ACL tear, to a two-way contract that links the NBA club with its G League affiliate.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball
The Memphis Grizzlies signed Richie Saunders to a two-way contract, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, who cited Saunders' representatives Andy Shiffman and Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports. Saunders, drafted by Memphis with the No. 32 pick, had remained unsigned since the June draft after tearing his ACL in February while playing for BYU.
Why it matters
The two-way structure lets Saunders split time between the Grizzlies and the Memphis Hustle while he rebuilds his on-court workload. His rehabilitation has reached the point where he can increase his activity and begin practicing with the team, though he is not expected to play in an NBA game in the near term.
Saunders averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals in his final BYU season while shooting 37.6% from three-point range. He finished his college career with 205 made threes, and the source does not indicate when he will be available for NBA games.
The players
Richie Saunders
Saunders is a 6-foot-5 guard who played college basketball at BYU before being drafted by the Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are an NBA franchise based in Memphis, Tennessee, that operates the Memphis Hustle as its G League affiliate.
Shams Charania
Charania is an NBA insider for ESPN who first reported the two-way agreement between Memphis and Saunders.
The details
Saunders, a 6-foot-5 guard, was drafted by Memphis with the No. 32 pick but was not signed after the draft. In October the team announced he would begin his professional career with the Memphis Hustle, and the Grizzlies retained his draft rights while he played in the G League.
Timeline
February: Saunders tore his ACL while playing for BYU.
June: Memphis drafted Saunders with the No. 32 pick, and he remained unsigned afterward.
October: Memphis announced Saunders would begin his career with the Memphis Hustle.
Saturday: ESPN reported the Grizzlies' two-way agreement with Saunders.
Season Trajectory
The two-way contract is a standard NBA tool that lets teams stash developing players without using a standard roster spot. Saunders' deal follows that pattern by giving Memphis flexibility while he returns from a torn ACL.
The two-way designation means Saunders can move between Memphis and the Hustle without occupying a standard roster spot, which affects how the Grizzlies manage their active roster. For fantasy and roster watchers, the immediate outcome is that Saunders is a development player rather than a near-term rotation option.
The takeaway
Two-way contracts let teams invest in players returning from injury without giving up a roster spot. Readers tracking Memphis should watch for Saunders' minutes with the Hustle as the best signal of his recovery timeline.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Memphis Basketball coverage.
