Ex-Lakers guard signs with Grizzlies amid GG Jackson contract agreement

January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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A busy offseason continues to churn along for the Memphis Grizzlies, as the club’s front office recently shelled out contracts to two new talents heading into the 2023-24 campaign.

On the evening of August 31, it was announced that GM Zach Kleiman had come to an agreement on contract details with rookie big GG Jackson and free agent guard, Shaquille Harrison.

Jackson, who was selected 45th overall by the Grizzlies during this summer’s draft, agreed to terms on a two-way deal with the franchise.

Such contracts have become quite prevalent and, frankly, beneficial for teams as of late, for they provide players the opportunity to mold their craft with consistent minutes in the G-League while also allowing them to be called upon for NBA action when needed (eligible for up to 50 games in a season).

The former South Carolina standout wrapped up his one-and-done collegiate career boasting per-game averages of 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds and, during this year’s Summer League, put up 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest.

https://twitter.com/SpectrumSN/status/1579302489437835264?s=20

As for Harrison, the savvy defensive-oriented guard finds himself coming off his sixth season in 2022-23, where he split time with the Portland Trail Blazers and, for the back half of the campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers. He would go on to post solid averages of 8.8 points, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals, albeit in just eight regular season games played.

Per the NBA collective bargaining agreement, the impending suspension of guard Ja Morant will grant the Grizzlies an additional roster spot heading into this year, which, in turn, will likely be how Harrison will be onboarded.

In turn, his presence will help add depth to the relatively weakened backcourt rotation sans their superstar.