Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) dribbles as Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) dribbles as Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
This offseason was a fairly hectic one for the Memphis Grizzlies. Aside from Ja Morant‘s departure, the Grizzlies were required to make some drastic cuts to finalize their roster ahead of the new campaign. While many players had already been waived, Walter Clayton Jr. and Micah Peavy were the final exclusions from the Grizzlies’ opening night roster.
Walter Clayton Jr. has long since been viewed as a candidate to be waived this offseason. Although there was some optimism he could be a solid developmental piece for the team moving forward, the Grizzlies clearly weren’t as convinced.
Although Walter Clayton Jr.’s brief tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies has come to an end, the future outlook for the sophomore guard is promising. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, a few teams have already emerged as potential suitors once the 23-year-old clears waivers. Siegel wrote:
“It is worth noting that the Heat and Kings have been two rumored landing spots for Walter Clayton Jr. in league circles over the last couple of weeks. The Stein Line noted Sacramento’s interest this morning. The Warriors were also interested in Clayton during the 2025 draft.”
After four preseason appearances for Memphis, Clayton Jr. has averaged 5.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. In light of this, the Grizzlies’ decision to waive him seems justified. Still, there is enough evidence to suggest he could be a valuable roster piece in the right situation.
As things stand, the Miami Heat and the Sacramento Kings are the most noteworthy landing spots for the sophomore guard, with the Golden State Warriors also looming as a potential third team.
For all intents and purposes, this is an incredible situation for the 23-year-old, who will be hoping to secure a roster spot this season. But which team presents the most upside for Walter Clayton Jr.?
Which Team Would Benefit Walter Clayton Jr. The Most?
It is easy to understand the interest in Walter Clayton Jr. when considering his skill set and potential to become a reliable playmaker. However, if Siegel’s report holds, it is worth examining which team would be the best fit for the 23-year-old.
The Golden State Warriors would be an interesting landing spot for Walter Clayton Jr. In theory, the Warriors’ guard-friendly playing style paves the way for players like him to thrive. While noting how his playmaking upside and basketball IQ would flourish under Steve Kerr, a move to the Bay Area certainly has merit.
For the most part, however, the Warriors don’t seem like an interested party just yet. Although Siegel reported that they registered an interest in Clayton Jr. at the time of the 2025 NBA Draft, there isn’t any conclusive evidence that they would be a suitor now. Additionally, given that Golden State has already filled out its 15-man roster, including its three two-way spots, there isn’t much latitude for them to sign him at the moment.
Since the Warriors are less likely to sign the 23-year-old, we shift focus to the Sacramento Kings and the Miami Heat. On paper, both teams need a backup playmaker, with the Kings’ needs being documented fairly recently following Ben Simmons’ injury. Still, one could argue that joining the Heat would present more opportunity for Walter Clayton Jr.
When assessing Miami’s roster, it is abundantly clear that the team is relying on the superstar duo of Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo to facilitate the offense. This lays the groundwork for the team’s offensive approach. But when factoring in the production off the bench, the lack of a reliable floor general could limit the Heat’s overall output.
Last season, Walter Clayton Jr. showcased his value as a facilitator. Since he didn’t earn much playing time with the Jazz, the guard went relatively unnoticed. However, during his 24-game stint with the Grizzlies, which featured six starts, the 23-year-old averaged 9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game.
Although his shooting splits were underwhelming, at 36.6% shooting from the field and 30.7% from beyond the arc, his composure and ability to dictate tempo demanded more attention.
What makes the Heat a more viable landing spot than the Kings is their current roster situation. With 14 players on standard contracts, Miami still has one roster spot at its disposal, which could present an opportunity for Walter Clayton Jr. to earn his place on the squad.
Theoretically, Miami could also leverage this flexibility to upgrade a two-way player later in the campaign, opening the door for Tre Donaldson or Keshad Johnson to secure a standard contract. However, when considering what Clayton Jr. brings to the table, he may be a better fit as the team prepares to mount a title charge this season.
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Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.