Since entering the association six seasons ago, Memphis Grizzlies power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has established himself as a legitimate problem on the hardwood.
From his elite defensive skills to his continuously developing offensive game, the 24-year-old is unequivocally one of the best two-way frontcourt talents the league currently has to offer.
Because of this, heading into the third year of his current contract that provides him the ability to enter into an extension negotiation period with Memphis, many are of the impression that Jackson could be in line for a major payday and, according to Grizzlies beat reporter Damichael Cole, he realistically could end up being one of the highest paid players in league history.
Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. could receive $300 million extension
On a recent episode of Locked on Grizzlies, Cole discussed how the 2018 NBA Draft class is now eligible to enter into the post-rookie extension phase of their careers, which now allows an individual receiving a max deal to be granted anywhere between 30-35 percent of the salary cap space.
Because Jackson has already earned some prerequisite honors during his current deal, the reporter and podcast host noted that "when he's extension-eligible, he's automatically going to be eligible for the 30 percent one" though, with a few more achievements added to his resume during the 2024-25 season, he could thrust himself into the 35 percent range which, per his calculations, would earn him over $300 million.
"All he has to do -- I say all he has to do, but it's still pretty tough --, he has to win Defensive Player of the Year or he has to be named to an All-NBA team as the warrant goes to be eligible for the 35 percent supermax," Cole said.
standing on bidness @jarenjacksonjr pic.twitter.com/xshxCXR3LC
— Grind City Media (@grindcitymedia) October 26, 2023
He would further his commentary on the matter by suggesting that it's reasonable to believe the Grizzlies stud could receive such a pay grade, as he revealed that in two out of three seasons prior to extension eligibility "you have to be All-NBA twice or you have to win awards such as Defensive Player of the Year."
While Jackson does not have an All-NBA distinction to his resume -- not yet, anyway --, in 2022-23 he managed to take home the league's Defensive Player of the Year award. With this in mind, should he go on to win such honors again this coming year, he would subsequently earn the right to sign the coveted 35 percent supermax extension.
According to an analysis by ESPN's Bobby Marks from last September, the, then, projection was that this type of contract could hold a value of $318 million though, with the league's new deal that's reported to hold a worth $76 billion over the next 11 seasons, the salary cap and, simultaneously, other revenue opportunities are only expected to increase, which has Cole believing the supermax could end up being as high as $325 million.
Following a putrid and injury plagued 2023-24 season that saw the Grizzlies win a mere 27 games and finish on the outside looking in on a postseason berth, it was already believed that the team's core would be coming into this follow-up run with redemption on their mind.
Now, on top of this, it appears Jaren Jackson Jr. could have even more motivation to show out, which should be exciting for Grind City's faithful followers and frightening for the rest of the association.