The Memphis Grizzlies have several players providing strong value on their current contracts as they look to rebuild momentum after a tough end to the 2025-26 season. The team's last result was a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026, capping a recent form of five consecutive losses. Identifying players who outperform their salary cap hit is essential for constructing a competitive NBA roster, and Memphis has multiple candidates.
Which Grizzlies contracts offer the best value?
Building a winner requires finding value beyond just star talent. Teams need contributors on affordable deals to balance the salary cap. The Grizzlies' roster for the 2026-27 season includes a mix of young players on rookie-scale contracts and veterans signed to reasonable numbers. This analysis ranks the five deals that could give Memphis the most bang for their buck.
Who tops the list of best contracts?
Cam Spencer claims the number one spot. He's scheduled to earn just $2.41 million for the 2026-27 season. In today's NBA, finding a rotation player near the minimum salary is incredibly valuable. Spencer's offensive potential and shooting make his contract a major asset. Teams fighting for championships often rely on such cost-controlled talent to fill out their bench.
Cameron Boozer ranks second despite a higher salary. He's set to make $11.85 million in 2026-27, with raises to $16.48 million by 2029-30. Rookie-scale deals become huge steals if the player develops into a star. Boozer's long-term upside and talent make his contract one of Memphis's most valuable assets, even at a higher price point than others on this list.
Which young players provide cost-controlled talent?
Jaylen Wells comes in at number three. His contract is extremely affordable at $2.3 million for the 2026-27 season, with a team option for $2.49 million the following year. Wells proved his worth as a second-round pick. He's exactly the type of player championship teams need to supplement their stars without breaking the cap. You can track the development of young players like Wells on our roster page.
Zach Edey's deal has potential to be a massive steal. He'll earn $6.3 million in 2026-27, rising to $8.07 million in 2027-28. Edey's unique size, rebounding, and rim protection are rare. At his best, he changes games around the basket and creates matchup nightmares. If he develops into a consistent starting center, that contract will look brilliant. His rookie deal carries great inherent value for Memphis.
Which veteran contract rounds out the top five?
Ty Jerome is the veteran presence on this list at number five. His $9.2 million salary for 2026-27 is significantly higher than the younger players ranked above him. But Jerome could provide strong value as a reliable rotation guard. He averaged nearly 20 points per game in limited action last season. The Grizzlies need him to be an offensive anchor for their young squad. Jerome holds a player option for the following season.
Why does contract value matter for the Grizzlies' future?
Smart financial management is key for small-market teams. Having players like Spencer and Wells on cheap deals allows Memphis to spend more aggressively elsewhere. It helps them maintain roster flexibility for trades or free agency. The Grizzlies' recent 0-5 skid to end last season shows the need for a balanced, deep team. Value contracts help build that depth without sacrificing future cap space.
Identifying these assets is the first step. The next is player development. If Boozer and Edey hit their ceilings, their contracts will be monumental successes. The same goes for Spencer and Wells maximizing their roles. For the latest on the team's roster construction and salary cap outlook, fans can follow our stats and standings pages. The front office's ability to extract value from these deals will shape the team's competitiveness for years.
