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The Grizzlies have signed forward Julian Washburn to a two-way deal. To make room for Washburn, the Grizzlies waived Jarnell Stokes who was signed to a two-way deal just two weeks ago. The Athletic’s Shams Charania was the first to break the news, with the Grizzlies PR confirming it shortly thereafter.
Sources @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to sign G League Austin's Julian Washburn to a two-way NBA deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 15, 2019
Washburn has averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 23 games with the Austin Spurs this season. More importantly, Washburn shot 37.5% from beyond the arc for the Spurs. Meanwhile, Stokes averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds in his two games with the Memphis Hustle. Stokes was limited his first week with the Hustle due to an illness.
It’s unfortunate the Grizzlies had to cut ties with the Memphian Stokes after just two weeks, but the lack of depth on the wing forced the Grizzlies hand. With Parsons exiled to Los Angeles and both Dillon Brooks and Kyle Anderson injured, the Grizzlies found themselves thin on the wing. With today being the deadline teams could sign two-way players, the Grizzlies needed to add depth on the wing more than they needed Jarnell down in Southaven.
With Yuta Watanabe likely close to his 45-day limit with the Grizzlies, look for Washburn to be available for the majority of the 2-4 weeks that Kyle Anderson is out. As always, stick with GBB for all your Grizzlies news.