Before the 2022-23 season gets underway, the Memphis Grizzlies made a key move regarding one of their key young prospects. After three promising seasons with the team, Brandon Clarke agreed to a four-year, $52 million extension.
Since being drafted 21st overall back in 2019, Clarke has proven to be a great find for the Grizzlies at the back end of the first round. During his time in Memphis, he’s averaged 10.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 0.9 BPG.
Following this deal, Clarke opened up on what it means to him to stay with the Grizzlies organization. He loves what the team has built over the years and is thankful that his hard work has paid off in the form of an extension.
“This team is really my life, so to just see on paper that I’m here the next four years is a very good feeling,” Clarke said. “I know a lot of guys don’t get this luxury and have to play the whole year feeling like they have to prove themselves again. But I feel like I’ve proven myself multiple times on this team, so I’m glad to get this out of the way.”
The 26-year-old big man joins Ja Morant and Steven Adams as players Memphis inked new deals with this offseason.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins grateful for player’s mindsets amid contract decisions
Now that the Grizzlies have amassed a promising group of young talent, the challenge becomes keeping them on the roster for the foreseeable future. Luckily for them, the strong culture they’ve built should make things a little easier.
As everyone knows, the NBA is also a business. That side of things can create awkward situations for some teams, but head coach Taylor Jenkins praised the group for continuing to work despite contract decisions looming.
"“The business side of the game is always there, always looming,” Jenkins said. “Luckily, our guys haven’t let that impact their work ethic over the summer or entering the season. I’m proud they got rewarded for it. But just having guys who we’re continuing to build with, the core group to keep pressing on with, is really powerful.”"
With all major business decisions out of the way, the team can fully focus on preparing for the regular season and getting back to the top of the Western Conference standings.