The NBA's new hard cap rules have had teams being more cost conscious with their decisions to pay players that could hinder future progression. The Memphis Grizzlies have remained under the first apron as Jaren Jackson Jr.'s current deal was a bargain, declining every year until it ends next season.
Also, they house young prospects in Santi Aldama, GG Jackson, Vince, Williams Jr., Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey, and Scotty Pippen Jr., who all combine to makes less than $32M total guaranteed. However, Santi Aldama's deal expires this summer and the Grizzlies have prioritized keeping him long-term as he will become a restricted free agent.
With Ja Morant and Desmond Bane locked-up on max contracts through the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons, respectively, their third star who is having a career-year is next up.
Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely remain as a Memphis Grizzly
Nothing in the NBA is certain, and the world was reminded of that when Luka Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers last week in probably the most shocking trade ever. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s pending contract extension has been at the forefront of conversations for the Grizzlies since the season began and the hard cap rules were put into place last summer.
The Grizzlies' star big man is averaging a career-high 23.4 points, shooting a career-high from three at 37%, and leads the team in points, steals, and blocks while playing under 30 minutes per game. Jackson Jr. was just named to his second NBA All-Star team selection and is in the running for a second Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Are we sure Wemby is the DPOY?
— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) February 7, 2025
Jaren Jackson Jr. has joined the conversation… pic.twitter.com/07gIzfVmHn
Heading into their matchup against the Western Conference's top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, Jaren has scored 30+ points in three straight games and scored 20+points in nine straight games, which the Grizzlies have been winners of 10 of their last 11 games. Also, Jaren has totaled 100 points in less than 100 minutes in their last three games, matching his other star teammates Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, whom both accomplished the feat in 2022.
Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely make an All-NBA team at the rate he's playing, meaning he will be eligible to be offered a supermax contract extension for five years, $345M this summer. While the pressure was on for the Grizzlies to make a move for a veteran wing to secure their championship contending aspirations, they decided that their current core should be good enough to win it all and preserve their future by opening the opportunity to keep Jaren Jackson Jr. for years to come.