​The Memphis Grizzlies have signed Mexican center Karim López, the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, to his rookie-scale contract, the team announced on Wednesday.He will make $3,746,760 next season, according to Spotrac.López played the past two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League, averaging 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one block in 58 games. He became the first Mexican-born player to be selected in the first round of the draft.The 6-foot-8 López averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and one block while shooting 49.4% from the field last season. His 358 total points were the most ever by a draft-eligible player in the history of the “Next Stars” program.The @memgrizz today announced the team signed Karim López to a multi-year contract. pic.twitter.com/JkgBNbF6rp— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) July 30, 2026López was highly touted entering the draft this year because of his defensive versatility, rebounding and length, boasting a 6-foot, 11 1/2-inch wingspan. He also took a leap last season on offense, showing improvement as a shooter, finisher and ballhandler.The 19-year-old was limited to one appearance in summer league because of a hamstring strain suffered during the predraft process. While he was scoreless in his debut on July 16, he recorded four rebounds, two blocked shots and one steal, finishing a plus-12 in 11 minutes.López further adds to the young core the Grizzlies have assembled, which includes the likes of Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells and Taylor Hendricks. Also included are fellow draftees Cameron Boozer (fourth pick) and Richie Saunders (32nd).This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Grizzlies sign 21st overall pick Karim López to rookie scale contract