Karim Lopez Signs Rookie Deal with Memphis Grizzlies

Mexican forward Karim Lopez, the 21st overall selection in the 2026 NBA draft and the first Mexico‑born player ever taken in the first round, has signed a four‑year rookie contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. The deal is reported to be worth about $18.3 million total, with a first‑year salary of roughly $3.7 million and team options for the final two seasons.

Lopez spent the previous two seasons playing for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL’s Next Stars program, averaging 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. He set a Next Stars record with 358 points in a season and previously posted a double‑double at age 17. After a brief Summer League appearance hampered by a mild hamstring strain, he joins a Grizzlies roster that cleared a spot by trading veteran Kentavious Caldwell‑Popper’s contract to the Philadelphia 76ers.