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Grizzlies waive former Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. before NBA roster deadline

The Memphis Grizzlies made a roster move ahead of the NBA’s opening-night deadline, waiving former Florida standout Walter Clayton Jr. after failing to secure a trade deal.

Clayton, a consensus All-American and Final Four Most Outstanding Player who led the Gators to a national championship, was part of Memphis’ active trade discussions in recent hours, with the Sacramento Kings emerging as a potential landing spot due to their roster needs following Ben Simmons’ season-ending Achilles injury. Despite the Grizzlies’ efforts to find a suitable trade partner, the team ultimately trimmed its roster to 15 standard contracts by cutting Clayton and Micah Peavy, addressing a late-season crunch ahead of the season opener.

The move comes as Sacramento looks to bolster its backcourt amid Simmons’ absence, while Memphis prioritizes roster flexibility. Clayton’s one season in the NBA appears to have limited his trade value, leaving the Grizzlies with few options beyond development or a waiver.

With the Kings now exploring a potential deal, Clayton’s next stop could be determined by Sacramento’s front office, though no official agreement has been announced.

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