Lawson Lovering's transition from the Utah Runnin’ Utes to the Memphis Grizzlies marks a notable moment in his career. Participating in the Salt Lake City Summer League, he played against the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing two points, three rebounds, and three blocks. This event is significant for Utah basketball, as 12 players with local ties join the summer league, showcasing the state’s rich basketball culture.

Notably absent from this matchup was former Ute Branden Carlson, who won an NBA championship with the Thunder in his rookie season. The Summer League highlights the ongoing development opportunities for these players as they strive to make their mark in the league.

The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a tough start to their Summer League campaign with a 92-80 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies. In his long-awaited debut, Nikola Topic showcased his skills with 14 points and four assists, following a year away due to a partially torn ACL. Ajay Mitchell was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 24 points and contributing six assists. Brooks Barnhizer also made his mark with a solid 9 points and 13 rebounds.

On the opposing side, the Grizzlies were led by the impressive duo of Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson II, each netting 20 points. Their strong performances were indicative of the Grizzlies' expectations for the Summer League, aiming to see their key young players shine. The Thunder will be looking to adjust quickly as they prepare for the next games in Utah and then head to Las Vegas.

The Memphis Grizzlies have traded center Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for two second-round picks. Huff, 27, made notable strides last season, averaging just under seven points and shooting 40% from beyond the arc in limited playtime. His addition to the Pacers comes as they seek to strengthen their frontcourt following the departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Huff's skill set mirrors Turner’s, particularly with his three-point shooting ability and rim protection, having averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes of gameplay. His defensive prowess earned him the G League's Defensive Player of the Year award, and he is under contract until the 2027-28 season.

The Memphis Grizzlies' rookie Cedric Coward, selected with the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is doubtful for the upcoming Summer League games as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained last season. Despite averaging 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists at Washington State before his injury, Coward has been limited in his preparation for the league. The Grizzlies traded up to select him, showing their belief in his scoring ability across all levels of the game.

As the Grizzlies prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Summer League, head coach Taylor Jenkins will likely decide on Coward's availability. The team's focus on enhancing their roster after a quiet offseason without a first-round pick highlights their commitment to integrating fresh talent into their lineup.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to begin their 2025 Summer League campaign against the Memphis Grizzlies in Salt Lake City, showcasing promising young talent. Key among them is 19-year-old Nikola Topic, the 2024 No. 12 pick, who returns after recovering from a torn ACL. Alongside him, Ajay Mitchell and Brooks Barnhizer are expected to make significant contributions.

The Grizzlies, also making their opening game debut, feature players like Jaylen Wells, who has playoff experience, though Cedric Coward is doubtful due to injuries. This matchup sets the stage for an exciting summer league as teams look to identify and develop their future stars.