Grizzlies finalize Zach Cleveland signing after summer agreement

The Memphis Grizzlies finalized a contract with Zach Cleveland on Monday, October 12, bringing the former Liberty forward back into the organization after his Summer League appearance.

Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors reported that the team announced the signing Monday and identified the agreement as an Exhibit 10 deal. CBS Sports’ RotoWire update separately confirmed that Cleveland agreed to a contract, while noting that the terms had not been disclosed.

Monday’s move follows a June agreement

Liberty’s men’s basketball program had reported Cleveland’s agreement with Memphis in June. Hoops Rumors distinguished that earlier report from Monday’s finalization, roughly three-and-a-half months later.

CBS Sports reported that Cleveland was absent from Memphis’ initial training-camp roster despite playing for the Grizzlies in Summer League. His signing now marks a return to the organization, rather than a new announcement of the June agreement alone.

A versatile college profile, no guaranteed NBA role

The 6-foot-7 forward spent four seasons at Liberty. Hoops Rumors records averages of 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in his final college season, when he was named Conference USA Player of the Year.

Adams described the reported Exhibit 10 arrangement as a non-guaranteed training-camp contract that can be converted to a two-way deal before opening night. It can also provide a bonus if a waived player subsequently spends at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate.

CBS Sports expects Cleveland to play mainly for the Memphis Hustle, but that is an outlook rather than a confirmed assignment. Monday’s signing does not establish an opening-night NBA roster place or a regular-season rotation role.