NBA Rumors: Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies to Revisit Contract Talks in 2025 Offseason
October 21, 2024
Fresh off one of the best seasons of his career, Jaren Jackson Jr. is in no hurry to ink a new contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
ESPN's Bobby Marks reported Monday that Jackson and the Grizzlies are tabling negotiations until next offseason. The two sides had until 6 p.m. ET to hammer out an agreement, which could've gone up to $106 million over three years.
It was in Jackson's interest to wait, since Marks noted he'll be eligible to sign for four years and $147 million once the 2025 NBA Finals are over. Absent an extension, he's due to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
The 25-year-old has been on of the cornerstones of the Grizzlies' franchise since he was drafted in 2018.
The former No. 4 overall pick has averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over his career and has made a name for himself as a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
He won the coveted award, and made his first All-Star team, during the 2022-23 season when he averaged a career-high three blocks and one steal per game.
Last season, as injuries took a toll on Memphis' playoff hopes, Jackson put up a career-high 22.5 points per game along with 5.5 boards, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals.
While they went 27-55 with Ja Morant and other stars out for most of last season, the future continues to look bright for the Grizzlies. They made the playoffs three consecutive seasons in the years prior, reaching the second round for the first time since 2015 in 2022.
The star pairing of Jackson and Morant alongside a strong supporting cast highlighted by Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane and exciting rookie Zach Edey seems to be a roster that can finally lead Memphis to being a contender after years of mediocrity.
The more restrictive collective bargaining agreement has led general managers to reassess when it comes to shelling out big money to both homegrown talent and outside free agents. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in part to gain more long-term payroll flexibility.
When it comes to Jackson, you'd expect the Grizzlies to pay up eventually because he'd leave behind a large void in the frontcourt if he were to leave.