The 2025-26 NBA season is not going well for the Memphis Grizzlies, and it didn't get any better for them on Saturday, when they lost to the Miami Heat by a score of 136-120.
A big reason for the Grizzlies' struggles in the campaign are the injuries they have been dealing with.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Memphis reportedly made a move to add a healthy body to the roster on Monday, as they added a former Portland Trail Blazers player to the team.
From Charania on
The 21-year-old Rupert entered the league in 2023 when the Trail Blazers used their No. 43 pick in that year's NBA draft on him. In 139 games played over two seasons for Portland, Rupert averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting only 36.7 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from behind the arc.
The 6-foot-7 Rupert played his final game in a Portland uniform last Thursday on the road against the Utah Jazz, scoring two points, grabbing four rebounds and recording a steal with two turnovers in 16 minutes of action in the 135-119 win. The next day, the Trail Blazers decided to waive him after promoting Sidi Sissoko to make room on the 15-man roster.
The move to the Grizzlies presents an opportunity for Rupert, who has a fully guaranteed $2.2 million contract through the 2025-26 season, to see a larger role on the court.
