Former Tennessee guard Kennedy Chandler agrees to four-year deal after 2022 NBA Draft

Former Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler has agreed to a four-year contract worth $7.1 million with the Memphis Grizzlies after going No. 38 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. He also receives $4.94 million in guaranteed money, the most for any American prospect picked in the second round.

Kennedy Chandler agreed to his rookie contract as he makes his NBA Summer League debut in Salt Lake City against the Philadelphia 76ers. The public announcement came at halftime of the game, which the Grizzlies lead by double digits.

Over 34 games as a freshman under Rick Barnes last season, Chandler started every game while averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists on his way to the All-SEC team and subsequent SEC Tournament MVP award. At 6-foot tall, he also averaged 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from the 3-point line.

Kennedy Chandler on playing for Memphis Grizzlies

Kennedy Chandler is a Tennessee man through and through. Born in Memphis, Chandler went on to star for the Tennessee Volunteers last season before being selected by the San Antonio Spurs No. 38 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, where he was traded to his hometown Grizzlies on draft night.

“It means a lot for me to be back home,” Chandler said about returning to Memphis. “It’s been a long journey for me to be able to play in front of my friends and family. I’ve been away from home for probably over two years now, so for me to wear Memphis across my chest and be able to play for this organization means a lot.”

During the offseason and breaks, Chandler has regularly worked out with Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant – someone who has voiced his support for the young prospect on multiple occasions via social media as well.

“I think the backcourt with me and Ja would be nice, fun to play him with him,” Chandler said. “I’m excited to be able to play alongside him and learn from him as well. He’s been here for three years and I want to learn a lot. What he learned throughout his rookie year, all the years that he’s played here. I’m excited to play alongside him.”

Chandler brings a long history of pedigree to Memphis, coming to Tennessee as the No. 13 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus and the No. 3 point guard in the 2021 class.