Memphis Grizzlies: 4 things that must happen before the season opener

1. Sign Jaren Jackson Jr. to a reasonable, long-term contract extension

The most important, last-minute item of the 2021 offseason is to come to terms with Jaren Jackson Jr. on a contract extension. The team has until one day prior to the start of the regular season to sign him to an extension.

Jackson may opt to bet on himself and prove that he’s worthy of a max-contract and in all fairness, the front office may feel more comfortable making that investment with a larger sample size as well.

But, if Jackson is willing to sign something for less than a max, it’s a deal that the Memphis Grizzlies front office should consider. It could turn out to be a bargain if Jaren Jackson can shake the injury bug and become the player that everyone expects him to be.

Jackson told the Daily Memphian that he loves playing with his teammates and isn’t too worried about the contract talks.

"“Business is business, but I have been playing basketball since I was 8. I have never worried about anything other than (playing basketball), so I’m going to keep that as my focus. You guys can keep asking about it, and I’ll just dap you up,” Jackson said in comments captured by the local media outlet."

Hopefully, the Grizzlies and Jackson come to a fair agreement that both sides are happy with— whether that deal comes in the next few weeks or next offseason remains to be seen.