The Memphis Grizzlies were the perfect landing spot for former Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler. Chandler grew up in Memphis and is friends with Grizzlies’ star point guard Ja Morant.
The downside was where Memphis selected Chandler. The Second Team All-SEC selection fell early into the second round of last month’s NBA Draft, meaning he wasn’t owed any guaranteed money and would have to carve out a larger contract with his play on the court.
Those concerns were mitigated Tuesday when Memphis signed Chandler to a four-year, $7.1 million contract, Stadium’s Shams Charania first reported. The four-year deal included $4.94 million guaranteed— the most by a second round draft pick in NBA history.
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While the $7.1 million ceiling isn’t as high as late first rounders, Chandler’s $4.94 million guaranteed is more than the last six first round selections.
Chandler made his NBA Summer League debut on Tuesday night, recording eight points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks in a Grizzlies’ win.
The SEC Tournament MVP shot four-of-eight from the field in 23 minutes of action. Chandler led the SEC in steals as a freshman and his prowess was on display in his first professional game, including a game sealing steal on fellow former Vol Jaden Springer.
Kennedy Chandler forces the turnover in the closing moments to seal the W for the @memgrizz! pic.twitter.com/Pu0xzmhrMi
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2022
The late game turnover was a disappointing end to a strong performance from Springer. Springer started his second professional season with a 15 point and three rebound performance.
