NBA update: Memphis Grizzlies sign Christian Koloko to second 10-day contract under hardship exception

The Grizzlies have been granted another hardship exception, which they want to use to sign center Christian Koloko to a second 10-day contract, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The Memphis Grizzlies are giving a former Toronto Raptors draft selection greater leeway.

Christian Koloko has consented to a second 10-day contract with the Grizzlies, according to a Friday ESPN report by Shams Charania. Memphis initially added Koloko on December 22 under a hardship agreement. The big man averaged 18.6 minutes per night while playing in five games during his first ten days with Memphis. On Tuesday, he started one game against Philadelphia.

Christian Koloko earns second 10-day deal as Grizzlies lean on hardship exception amid injuries

In an effort to bolster their roster, the Memphis Grizzlies signed former Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko to a 10-day contract under the hardship exception. As they endure a challenging start to the 2025–26 season, the Grizzlies are currently 13–16 and on a two-game losing streak, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

The six-foot-eleven Cameroonian center averaged 18.6 minutes, 2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in five games during his first ten days with Memphis. Due to multiple injuries on the team's roster, the hardship exemption was approved.

As per Shams Charania:

“The Memphis Grizzlies are signing center Christian Koloko to a second 10-day contract today, sources tell ESPN..”




Koloko had an impact by grabbing 19 rebounds and recording six steals and six blocks, even though he only scored 10 points in the five games. Memphis had a net rating of +15.2 during his 93 minutes on the court.

Heaveraged 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while playing in 37 games for the Lakers the year before. He began his career with the Raptors after being selected 33rd overall in the 2022 draft.

During his debut season, he participated in 58 games before a blood clot issue prevented him from playing. Charania disclosed in January 2024 that Koloko was unable to practise or play for an NBA team because of a blood clot issue, which led to his referral to the league's fitness-to-play panel.

Grizzlies face decision on Christian Koloko as second 10-day contract nears end

The Grizzlies will have to either sign Koloko to a rest-of-season contract or let him go when his second 10-day contract expires since players are not allowed to sign three 10-day contracts with the same team. Our tracking indicates that Koloko is the first Memphis signee to sign a second 10-day contract this season.

Koloko, a 6-foot-11 centre and former University of Arizona standout, made his Grizzlies debut on December 22. He signed a two-way contract with the Lakers at the beginning of the 2024–25 campaign.

Koloko played in 37 games with Los Angeles, averaging 2.4 points on 60.6% shooting, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per contest. Despite his low scoring output, his performance was characterised by efficiency, particularly in free throw shooting at 71.4%.

This is hardly surprising because the Grizzlies are still in dire need of frontcourt depth. Koloko has averaged 2.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 18.6 minutes across his first five games.


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