As Memphis triggers a total franchise reset by moving on from Ja Morant, this tenacious BYU standout finds a perfect vacuum to showcase his elite two-way energy.
Richie Saunders became the third rookie to join the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Draft. The second pick in the second round (32nd overall) may seem like a relative afterthought, with much of the excitement revolving around No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer and Mexico’s Karim Lopez. However, his backstory, along with Memphis being in a strange position, is a perfect match.
Only three years ago, the Grizzlies had a roster that included a core of Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson, Dillon Brooks, NBA strongman Steven Adams, and Ja Morant. Fast-forward to today and the only player that remains is Morant. The NBA All-Star as a dicey situation. Almost everyone expects Memphis to find a way to unload Morant. In February, ESPN's Brian Windhorst appeared on Get Up and gave an update on Morant’s “negative trade value.”
“When I say he has no value, I don’t even think that’s accurate,” Windhorst stated. “I think he has what they call in the league, negative value. Teams were not willing to take on Morant unless the Grizzlies also attached draft compensation. In other words, you have to pay us to take him.”
During the second day of the draft, Windhorst doubled down on the Grizzlies' desire to move Morant. He believes the NBA viewers have already seen the last of him in a Grizzlies uniform. Adding Boozer signals a sort of franchise reset. He added that the Grizzlies have a $29 million trade exemption they could use to entice teams to bite on Morant’s contract.
The Grizzlies situation is great news for Saunders, who's in rebuild mode personally. Unlike going to a team with established starters and high production players, Saunders is stepping into a tailor-made situation. Boozer will be the starting power forward. Zach Edey, who is entering year two after averaging a respectable 13 points and 11 rebounds last season, is also a starter. That might be where the "sure things" end.
Between Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Scottie Pippen Jr, Ty Jerome and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who inked a contract extension, there is a real opportunity for Saunders. By that same extension, Karim Lopez could slide into the starting small forward role sooner rather than later.
Saunders could be an absolute steal within the Memphis rebuild. Once they move Morant, there isn’t another guard on the roster that will keep opposing coaches up at night. In his final collegiate season, Saunders averaged 18 points, almost six rebounds, 1.7 steals and a shade under 38% from three. However, the stat line doesn’t tell the full story.
Memphis has a type that Saunders fits right in with. Very different from the Morant, Brooks, Jackson team that are currently rebuilding. Cam Boozer has a style of play that fits right in line with Lopez and Saunders. The former BYU star specifically provides energy, tenacity and an ability to finish.
It’s also important to remember, Saunders put up those numbers alongside NBA Draft overall No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and returning transfer portal target Rob Wright III. He may have slipped some fans’ recollection because he departed the game vs Colorado on Feb 14, only mere seconds into the game with an ACL injury.
Before the injury, Saunders was not viewed as an elite speed and quickness prospect. However, he scores and has a motor that doesn’t quit. Even if he isn’t moving fast. Initially, he could be viewed as a very good rotational shooter. That could be his professional role eventually. However, given the state of the Grizzlies roster, there could be more opportunities than initially projected.
Saunders is currently rehabbing and will likely miss the beginning of the 2026-27 season, but could be activated sometime around mid-December.
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