Memphis Grizzlies: This would be the biggest mistake of the offseason
It wouldn’t make sense for the Memphis Grizzlies to give Jaren Jackson Jr. a maximum contract extension — not yet at least
From what we’ve seen so far from Jackson, Jr., I don’t think the Grizzlies would be wise to offer him max-level money. It’s too great of a risk for such an unknown commodity.
Yes, part of doing business in the NBA is taking risks, but investing this much money into Jaren Jackson, Jr. with so much at stake is not a smart bet. If he wants to get paid and secure a contract now, it should be greatly reduced from a max contract. If he can prove himself next season, there’s no doubt the team will happily offer him a max contract.
An injury-free, growth season, showing the Memphis Grizzlies that he can pick up where Gasol and Valanciunas left off will be a huge step forward for Jaren Jackson, Jr. It would certainly make it easier for owner Robert Pera to open up the checkbook and reward Jackson, Jr. a max contract if he has a stellar season.
The Chandler Parsons fiasco of 2016 (a four-year deal at just shy of $100 million) still feels fresh— it’s been barely two years since that terrible contract moved off the books.
Signing Jackson Jr. at the max could prove to be a financial albatross very similar to that of Parsons. That’s not a risk the Memphis Grizzlies should take, especially in a league where superstars have so much control and Ja Morant’s patience could be wearing thin within the next couple of seasons.
Let’s root and root hard for Jaren Jackson, Jr. to have a fantastic, breakout season proving he can be a great co-star and earn that max contract.
Next. Grizzlies have these games circled for 2021-22. dark
The future of the Memphis Grizzlies rests heavily on the young shoulders of Jaren Jackson, Jr. Let’s hope he’s ready to carry the burden but be prepared in case he cannot.