The Memphis Grizzlies are operating with an NBA-high 22 players after securing four hardship exceptions to offset a wave of long-term injuries.
How the hardship rule applies
League rules cap active rosters at 18 players during the regular season—15 on standard contracts and three on two-way deals. An organization may exceed that limit if at least four players have:
- Missed three consecutive games due to injury or illness, and
- Are projected to remain out a minimum of two additional weeks.
Each qualifying group of four injuries grants one hardship slot, with an additional spot available for every injured player beyond that threshold.
Seven season-ending injuries
Memphis currently lists seven players who satisfy the criteria and have been ruled out for the season:
- Zach Edey — left ankle/elbow surgeries (out since Dec. 7)
- Brandon Clarke — right calf strain (out since Dec. 20)
- Ja Morant — left elbow UCL sprain (out since Jan. 21)
- Santi Aldama — right knee surgery recovery (out since Feb. 4)
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — right fifth finger surgery recovery (out since Feb. 11)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. — right big toe surgery recovery (out since Mar. 7)
- Jaylen Wells — right big toe surgery recovery (out since Mar. 23)
The first four injuries qualified the club for one hardship exception; the remaining three produced three more, giving Memphis four total hardship spots.
Current roster breakdown
The Grizzlies’ 22-man roster now consists of:
- 15 players on full-season or multiyear standard contracts
- 3 players on two-way deals
- 4 players on hardship 10-day contracts
DeJon Jarreau and Tyler Burton are on their second 10-day agreements, both expiring Wednesday night. Adama Bal remains under contract through Monday, while Lucas Williamson is signed through next Thursday night.
What’s next
Because NBA rules prohibit a third consecutive 10-day contract, Jarreau and Burton cannot be re-signed to new short-term deals. Unless Memphis waives a player on a standard contract, the team is expected to fill their hardship slots with new signings as soon as Thursday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
