NBA Moves: Grizzlies, Kira Lewis Jr, Kings, Leaky Black, Bulls, Thunder

The NBA transaction wire is spinning at full speed with training camps right around the corner, and teams are shuffling the deck on a daily basis to finalize their rosters. Let’s take a look:

Grizzlies bring in Lewis Jr.

The Grizzlies had a busy Saturday, cycling through a handful of players to fill the back end of their camp roster. Memphis signed and subsequently waived guard Brendan Hausen, guard Yuri Collins, and forward Eric Dixon all in a row.

The end result? The Grizzlies signed former lottery pick Kira Lewis Jr. to a training camp deal. Lewis, 25, is a four-year NBA veteran who spent time with the Pelicans, Raptors, and Jazz.

He spent last year in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd, averaging 11.5 points and 3.5 assists.

Lewis has struggled to find his footing in the league after being drafted 13th overall in 2020, but he gives Memphis an experienced ball-handler to look at in camp.

Kings sign Black

The Sacramento Kings made room on their roster by waiving Gabe Levin and Tyrone Marshall, then turned around and signed forward Leaky Black to a camp deal.

Black, a 6-foot-9 defensive-minded wing out of North Carolina, spent time with the Hornets and Wizards last season before being cut by Washington in July.

Based on a simple eye test, Black brings nice length and versatility, and with Sacramento holding an open two-way contract slot, he has a legitimate chance to compete for a real spot if he shows out in Stockton or camp.

Bulls add Sutton; Thunder sign trio

In a few other minor moves around the league, the Bulls waived Houston Mallette and signed undrafted LSU forward Marquel Sutton to a camp deal.

Meanwhile, the Thunder added a bit of intrigue to their camp roster by signing Andrew Holifield, Robert McCray, and former Texas Tech standout Zhaire Smith.

Smith is still trying to fight his way back into the league after injuries derailed his early career with Philadelphia, making him a name worth watching.