Grizzlies Sign Zavier Simpson, Jack White To Hardship Deals

Simpson, 27, is 6-foot-0 and appeared in three games during his first 10 days with the Grizzlies, averaging 5.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.

The former Ohio high school basketball player of the year, Simpson is a University of Michigan product who has been bouncing between the NBA and G League since signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. 

He also has been signed by the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Thunder throughout his pro career. Prior to signing a 10-dy deal with Memphis, he appeared in four games with OKC in 2021-22.

White, 26, is 6-7 and appeared in 17 games with the Denver Nuggets last season, compiling averages of 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds.

He signed a two-way deal with the Nuggets in October 2022, before signing a multiyear deal with the Thunder in July 2023. He was then waived before the season.

Both players were signed using the Grizzlies’ hardship exceptions, which they landed due to the multiple and key injuries to those on the roster. Simpson and White are signed for the final six days of the regular season and will then return to unrestricted free agency.

The Grizzlies won’t hold Bird rights on either player.

Memphis (27-51) enters Tuesday night in 13th place in the Western Conference, officially eliminated from the postseason. This comes one year after the Grizzlies finished second in the Western Conference. But injuries to star guard Ja Morant and center Steven Adams (since traded to the Houston Rockets) have been too much to overcome.

Check out who we have Memphis taking in our latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft right here.