The former Grizzlies and Trail Blazers guard gets a fresh NBA opportunity.
The Philadelphia 76ers are taking a chance on a young player with untapped potential, agreeing to sign French guard-forward Rayan Rupert to a one-year two-way contract. The move gives the 22-year-old another opportunity to prove he belongs in an NBA rotation after splitting last season between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Rupert entered free agency after Memphis declined to extend him a two-way qualifying offer. Now, he heads to Philadelphia, where all three two-way roster spots were available entering the offseason. The signing also continues the 76ers’ recent trend of developing young talent through two-way contracts before potentially rewarding them with standard NBA deals.
Rupert showed his potential with Memphis
Although Rupert spent much of his first three NBA seasons in a limited role, he made the most of an expanded opportunity after joining Memphis late last season. In 16 games, including eight starts, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals while logging more than 30 minutes per game.
His increased production came as the injury-depleted Grizzlies relied on younger players to finish the regular season. Across the entire 2025-26 campaign, Rupert appeared in 64 NBA games between Portland and Memphis, averaging 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest.
The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to sign French guard Rayan Rupert on a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Rupert, a second-round pick in 2023, split last season in Memphis and Portland.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026
Philadelphia sees upside in the 22-year-old
Selected in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Rupert has always been viewed as a long-term developmental prospect because of his size, defensive versatility and athletic tools. Before entering the NBA, he played professionally in France and later suited up for the New Zealand Breakers, helping prepare him for the jump to the league.
The 76ers have enjoyed success developing players on two-way contracts in recent seasons, with several eventually earning standard NBA deals. Rupert now gets the chance to follow a similar path if he can build on the progress he showed during his stint in Memphis.
The deal gives both sides flexibility
Because Rupert has only one season of two-way eligibility remaining, the agreement will cover the upcoming season while allowing Philadelphia to evaluate his long-term fit within the organization.
He is not expected to be part of the team’s regular rotation immediately, but his ability to play multiple positions on the wing could make him a valuable depth option if injuries create opportunities.
For Rupert, the move represents another fresh start after spending the first part of his career with Portland before finishing last season in Memphis. For the 76ers, it is a low-risk signing with the possibility of uncovering another young contributor as they continue shaping their roster for the future.