After a disappointing 2023-24 NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies bounced back and looked like their old selves this past year. Despite holding the No. 2 seed for much of the regular season, they ultimately slipped into the Play-In Tournament and were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With their early postseason exit behind them, the Grizzlies now turn their attention to what could be a pivotal offseason. One of their top priorities will be determining the future of Jaren Jackson Jr., who becomes eligible for a contract extension this summer.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently weighed in with his forecast for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and the direction Memphis may take.
Since Jackson Jr. didn’t make an All-NBA team this year, he’s not eligible for a supermax extension, increasing the odds that he could explore free agency in 2025. However, Marks believes that scenario is unlikely.
In a recent ESPN article, Marks projected that the Grizzlies and Jackson Jr. will agree on a new deal—one that involves renegotiating his current contract and signing a four-year, $190 million extension. That figure is more than $40 million above the standard maximum extension he’d otherwise qualify for.
“Because the rookie extension Jackson signed in 2021 decreases over time, the highest extension available under the current structure would be four years and $146.8 million,” Marks explained. “One option is for Memphis to use its $6.9 million in cap space to raise his $23.3 million salary to $30.3 million. That adjustment would then allow the team to offer him a four-year, $190 million extension.”
Since being drafted in 2018, the New Jersey native has been a cornerstone for the Grizzlies. His accolades include two All-Star appearances, one Defensive Player of the Year award, three All-Defensive Team honors, and two block titles.
Considering Jackson Jr. is only 25 and remains a vital part of the franchise, locking him into a new contract appears to be a logical move. If Marks’ projection is accurate, it’s likely the Grizzlies and Jackson Jr. will finalize an extension this summer.