The Grizzlies have finally put the last piece of their first-round puzzle in place.
Memphis announced that it has signed Karim Lopez, the 21st pick in last month’s draft and the final first-rounder to get his rookie deal done. The 19-year-old small forward was taken after the Grizzlies traded down twice on draft night, and his contract now locks in the start of his NBA run.
Lopez is set to earn $3,746,760 in 2026/27 as a rookie, with $18,368,804 coming over the first four seasons of the deal. Like every rookie scale contract, the final two years are team options.
His arrival comes after a summer that was slowed by a mild left hamstring strain suffered during the pre-draft process, which kept him out of Summer League action.
Before making the jump, Lopez spent the last two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL’s Next Stars program. In 58 games, including 53 starts, he averaged 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks in 24.4 minutes per game. Last season, he scored 358 points, the highest total ever for a draft-eligible player in Next Stars history.
Lopez also brings a notable milestone with him. A member of the Mexican national team, he is from Hermosillo, Mexico, making him the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
Memphis had been slow to get its draft class under contract because of a crowded roster. No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer didn’t sign until July 13, and No. 32 selection Richie Saunders is still unsigned.
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