Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Tony Wroten. (Photo : Getty Images)
Free agent combo guard Tony Wroten could still return to play for the Memphis Grizzlies next season even after the club waived him on July 12, according to recent rumors.
The 23-year-old shooting guard, who can also play the number one position at times, was released by the New York Knicks on June 22 after getting him from waivers in March of this year. He did not play a single game for the Big Apple squad during his short-lived tenure with the team.
Wroten was then claimed by the Grizzlies five days later for what would be his second stint with the franchise, but he was eventually waived again last week for undisclosed reasons, as per SB Nation.
The report noted that the former Washington Huskies standout's failure to stay with the team will provide "greater playing time for Wade Baldwin at backup PG, and allows the Grizzlies some roster flexibility regarding possibly keeping the perennially-injured Jordan Adams or adding someone else from their Summer League or training camp roster".
Wroten, who is known for his dribbling ability, remarkable athleticism, and for once dunking on NBA legend Kobe Bryant, would have taken Memphis' 15th and final roster spot for next season if he was not released by the Grizzlies.
However, Sports Illustrated indicated that the Renton, Washington native could still "agree to a deal to return to Memphis after being cut by the team", citing a tweet by Basketball Insiders' David Pick as the source.
Although his return is not a certainty, the latest rumors should be good news for Wroten as having a chance to stay in the NBA would definitely better for him than taking his talents in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere.
Wroten last suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers in only eight games during the 2015-2016 season. He averaged 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during that time span as he only played 18.0 minutes a night.
His best season was in the previous one, in 2014-2015, when he was utilized by the Sixers for 29.8 minutes per games and he ended up with career-highs in almost all statistical categories with averages of 16.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals, with 2.9 boards in 30 games for Philly.
Wroten was drafted 25th overall by the Grizzlies in 2012 and he played his rookie season in Memphis as well. He was traded to the Sixers in August of 2013 to spend his next three seasons there before finally getting waived in December of last year, the day before Christmas.
