Grizzlies sign Killian Tillie to two-year deal, make other moves

Two-way player Killian Tillie will sign a standard contract with the Grizzlies, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The second-year big man will get a deal worth $4M over two years.

Tillie signed a two-way contract after going undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2020, then inked another two-way deal in August. He’s averaging 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 22 games this season, but his playing time has increased recently with the Grizzlies short-handed due to health and safety protocols.

Memphis will open a roster spot by waiving injured guard Sam Merrill, Woj adds. Merrill will undergo a surgical procedure on his left ankle that will keep him out of action for three to four months, sources tell Wojnarowski.

A rookie with the Bucks last year, Merrill was acquired by the Grizzlies in an offseason trade. He appeared in only six games for Memphis, averaging 4.2 points in 9.7 minutes per night and last played on November 18. The move will include a $1.5M cap hit, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN. Wojnarowski adds that the Grizzlies believe Merrill has potential and might consider bringing him back once he’s healed.

The open two-way slot will be filled by guard Tyrell Terry, who signed as a hardship player last week, adds Shams Charania of The Athletic. Terry has made two brief appearances since coming to Memphis, playing a combined three minutes.