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4 clusters · 14 sources · 43 days · First seen · Last updated

Karim López signs rookie contract with Memphis

Overview

Mexican forward Karim López, the first Mexico‑born player ever taken in the NBA’s first round, was selected 21st overall in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. On 30 July 2026 he agreed to a four‑year rookie deal valued at roughly $18.3 million, with $7.68 million fully guaranteed, a first‑year salary of about $3.75 million and team options for the 2028‑29 and 2029‑30 seasons.

López arrives after two seasons in the Australian NBL’s Next Stars program with the New Zealand Breakers, where he posted 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game and set a program record of 358 points in a season. He previously began his professional career with Spain’s Joventut Badalona and has represented the Mexican national team. A mild hamstring strain limited his Summer League debut, and Memphis cleared a roster spot by moving veteran Kentavious Caldwell‑Popper’s contract to the Philadelphia 76ers, underscoring the club’s commitment to developing emerging talent.

Entities

Karim Lopez · National Basketball Association · Memphis Grizzlies · Mexico national basketball team · Mexico

Timeline

  1. 26 days ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Karim López signs $18 million contract with Memphis Grizzlies

    Mexican guard Karim López inked a four‑year, $18.4 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the first Mexico‑born first‑round NBA draft pick.

  2. 30 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Karim Lopez Signs Rookie Deal with Memphis Grizzlies

    Mexican forward Karim Lopez, the first Mexico‑born first‑round NBA draft pick, signed a four‑year, $18.3 million rookie contract with the Memphis Grizzlies after two seasons in the NBL’s Next Stars program.

  3. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Karim López joins Memphis Grizzlies after historic first‑round NBA draft pick

    Mexican forward Karim López, 19, was a first‑round pick (21st) in the NBA Draft and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming Mexico's first first‑round draftee and set to debut in the Summer League.

  4. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Mexican forward Karim Lopez poised to become first first‑round NBA draft pick

    Mexican forward Karim López, a top NBL Next Stars prospect, could become the first Mexican selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, drawing interest from NBA clubs and earning a Draft Combine invite.

Sources

diario.mx · diario21.com.mx · eldiariodechihuahua.mx · entrelineas.com.mx · excelsior.com.mx · fotoreporter.com · foxsports.com.mx · hoopsrumors.com · institutoecofaxina.org.br · nbl.com.au · noticiasdemalaga.es · si.com · tiramillas.net · tribuna.com.mx

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history