The Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a contract buyout of veteran wing Kyle Anderson, leaving them with an open roster spot after the transaction is completed. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, before clearing the buyout, the Grizzlies opted to bring in a veteran of their own by agreeing to the signing of Taj Gibson for their open roster spot.
Taj Gibson's pending signing will leave the Grizzlies with 15 standard roster spots and three two-way contract spots. To reach the league-required 14 roster spots before adding Gibson, the Grizzlies signed former Portland Trail Blazers wing Ryan Rupert to a 10-day contract.
Gibson will debut for the Grizzlies as one of the oldest players in the NBA at the age of 40. This will be his 17th season in the league after spending last year with the Charlotte Hornets.
Drafted 26th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, Gibson appeared in 37 games for the Hornets last year, including 11 starts, playing a little over 11 minutes per game. He averaged 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds with a split of 49.5 percent shooting from the field, 50 percent shooting from the 3-point line, and 60 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
Gibson began his career with the Chicago Bulls, where he played for seven and a half seasons before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the 2017 trade deadline. He has also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons.
Gibson will bring an experienced presence to a young Grizzlies team. At this stage of his career, his leadership and presence off the court is more valuable than what he brings on the court.
