Pippen’s hard work has paid off with a new contract with the Grizzlies.
Scotty Pippen Jr. has been on a two-way deal with Memphis since January 2024 and has emerged as one of the team’s standout players during that period. His impressive performance in the Summer League earned him First-Team All-Summer League honors alongside teammate GG Jackson II. Initially, Memphis aimed to keep Scotty on the two-way contract to fully utilize its 50-game limit, but Derrick Rose’s retirement sped up the process. Pippen has now signed a standard contract for $9.6 million over the next four years.
The @memgrizz today announced the team signed Scotty Pippen Jr. to a multi-year contract. pic.twitter.com/lpuIGo6NQ8
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) October 15, 2024
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Pippen managed to secure a spot with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he mainly played for the South Bay Lakers, appearing in just six games with the main team. Undeterred, Scotty’s talent caught the attention of the Grizzlies. Although he signed a two-year two-way contract, he remained determined to prove himself. Now, he’s expected to be the primary backup for Memphis superstar Ja Morant, a significant achievement for the 23-year-old, who has long been relatively under the radar. He has overcome the stigma of being undrafted and earned a contract that ensures his place in the NBA for the foreseeable future. His hard work and commitment to silencing doubters have paid off, and he’s set to continue on this positive path. Coach Taylor Jenkins has been a strong supporter of Pippen since the latter part of the 2023/24 season. Despite the struggles caused by injuries, the Grizzlies have discovered a hidden gem in Scotty.
— Scotty Pippen Jr (@spippenjr) October 15, 2024
With Scotty signing a contract, the Grizzlies now have an available two-way contract. Memphis currently has four players on Exhibit 10 contracts, setting the stage for competition for the two-way spot alongside Jay Huff and Cam Spencer. One of these players—Miye Oni, Maozinha Pereira, Yuki Kawamura, or Armando Bacot—will secure that spot. Given the preseason performances, Kawamura is the frontrunner, having impressed Memphis with his shooting and playmaking abilities.
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