The Memphis Grizzlies franchise has a relatively short history as it enters its 25th season in Memphis this upcoming season after spending its first six seasons in Vancouver, Canada. While the history of the team is brief as compared to other teams around the league, they have more successful seasons than not in Memphis.
As the team prepares to enter an era with a prime duo of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, they embark on something rare in a league of constant player, and specifically star player, movement. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the current longest tenured Grizzlies player since being drafted by the organization in the 2018 NBA draft and just signed a five-year contract to remain with the team.
His extension comes with some questions as the team had to trade their third star, Desmond Bane, to likely make room to execute that extension. However, it shows that the team prioritized their two All-Stars, including the one who helped transition the team from its best era in the history of the franchise.
Jaren Jackson Jr. transitioned the franchise into its current era
When Jaren Jackson Jr. was selected with the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft, he was considered the team's first building block as their Grit and Grind era came to an end. Mike Conley Jr. and Marc Gasol were the only members remaining from their Core Four era with Zach Randolph and Tony Allen and appeared to be playing their last year with the Grizzlies at that time.
That projection became true as Gasol was traded at the 2019 NBA trade deadline and Conley Jr. was traded after that season to win-now teams. That set the stage for the team to build around Jackson Jr. and their top selection in the 2019 NBA draft became Ja Morant with the second overall pick. Brandon Clarke was also selected in the first round of that draft as the trio to begin their new foundation.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has grown into a Defensive Player of the Year winner and two-time NBA All-Star after having injury concerns earlier in his career. That growth allowed him to sign the richest contract in team history this offseason, and deservedly so. The Grizzlies needed a player of his caliber to spearhead their efforts to contend after their most successful era and he rewarded them with a solid seven-years and counting.
Memphis continues to be a sneaky franchise that is overlooked by stars to join, but remains consistent with homegrown talent from the draft. Selecting Jaren Jackson Jr. in 2018 has paid dividends for the franchise in a major way, and has set them up for more success as he enters his prime years in tandem with Ja Morant.