Memphis Grizzlies Release Johnny Davis After Trade Acquisition

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Memphis Grizzlies announced on February 6 that they acquired guard Johnny Davis from the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team trade. Davis, a 22-year-old forward/center, was included in a deal that also brought Marvin Bagley III to Memphis and saw the Grizzlies send second-round draft picks to both the Wizards and Sacramento Kings.

The Grizzlies’ decision to release Davis comes as he was averaging 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds per game for the Wizards this season, shooting 41.0% from the field and 24.1% from beyond the arc. His acquisition was greeted with intrigue as he was the No. 10 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Wisconsin.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Memphis will waive Davis to create roster space. “The Grizzlies are releasing Johnny Davis to create roster space, sources said. Davis is expected to receive some interest as a free agent,” Charania noted.

Davis’s career averages stand at 3.5 points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 39.7% from the field and 27.3% on three-pointers after participating in 112 games.

Despite his current struggles, Davis was regarded as a promising talent during his collegiate career. He was praised for his scoring ability and clutch performances, which included a 30-point, 12-rebound game at Indiana, showcasing his potential against top-level defenses. “Johnny Davis is a cold-blooded closer,” one analyst remarked following his impressive games at Wisconsin.

As the Grizzlies prepare to face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, they hold a 36-18 record, placing them second in the Western Conference. This matchup comes after Memphis resumed action following the NBA All-Star break.

The Pacers, sitting at 30-23 overall, are coming off a momentum-building win before the break, having demonstrated a strong bench performance, particularly from players like Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin. The Grizzlies currently sit as slight favorites in the upcoming game, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.