Steven Adams of the Grizzlies will probably miss the postseason due to an injured right knee, and the team is signing a forward to "fortify the front line now," according to NBA insider for ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski.
On Jan. 22, Adams sprained his posterior cruciate ligament diving for a ball at the end of a game against the Phoenix Suns. On March 8, Adams received a stem cell injection and was ruled out for the rest of the regular season.
The Grizzlies were hopeful that Adams would be able to ramp up to play this week after a MRI, that evidently did not show progress.
To address the frontcourt gap Adams left, the Grizzlies are signing two-way rookie forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. on a four-year $7 million contract, according to Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski said this information comes from Lofton's agent Mike George. Lofton was the G League's "Rookie of the Year." He averaged 20.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game for the Memphis Hustle.
In order to make roster space for Lofton, the Grizzlies are also waiving guard Kennedy Chandler, making him a free agent. Chandler, a Memphis native, was on a long-term deal. He's spent time with both the Memphis Hustle and the Grizzlies this season and will receive "strong interest" on league's waivers and open market, Wojnarowski said.
