The Memphis Grizzlies managed to sneak into the playoffs last season, but they’re clearly aiming higher. That intent was on full display when they dealt Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic before the NBA Finals even wrapped up.
Despite that move, the Grizzlies are staying committed to their core stars. On the first night of free agency, Memphis locked in forward Jaren Jackson Jr. with a five-year, $240 million maximum renegotiation and extension deal. Jackson, who averaged 22.2 points on 48.8% shooting along with 5.6 rebounds this past season, was the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Ja Morant, still under contract for three more seasons on his rookie extension, reacted to the news on social media, sharing a heartfelt “Watching my dawgs get paid” message accompanied by an emotional Michael Scott GIF from The Office.
Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 draft out of Michigan State, was named to the 2019 All-Rookie First Team. He’s led the league in blocks in both 2022 and 2023, is a two-time All-Star, and a three-time All-Defensive selection. Last season, he was second only to Morant in scoring for Memphis and topped the team with 1.5 blocks per game.
The Grizzlies have been aggressive this offseason. In addition to the Bane trade, they moved up to the No. 11 pick in the draft to select Washington State’s Cedric Coward and signed former Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome to a three-year, $28 million deal that includes a player option for the final year.