Relevant contract extension deadlines for Grizzlies players during the 2024-25 season

The 2024-25 NBA season not only offers a new opportunity for teams to refresh their expectations going forward, but it offers a chance for teams to determine if certain players will have a future with their current teams. As for the Memphis Grizzlies, only one player is up for a rookie extension while two veterans are waiting in the weeds for potential contract extensions.

The Grizzlies have continuously taken care of their own players in the Zach Kleiman era, which began in 2019. Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, and Desmond Bane are the current players that have all signed rookie contract extenions with the team.

Currently, 12 of the team’s 14 players were either drafted by the team or signed as an undrafted free agent (John Konchar). After having cap space to sign the initial rookie extensions for the core members of the team, the Grizzlies find themselves with a little over (negative) -$30 million in cap space but are a little over $8 million away from the 1st apron that can handicap the team’s spending.

Remaining under the 1st apron for as long as possible will be key for the team to be able to make relevant roster moves if necessary. Due to this, the team has a real delimma with these contract extension decisions ahead.

Santi Aldama

The October 21st deadline looms large for only one Grizzlies player that is up for a rookie extension, and that is Santi Aldama. The fourth-year big man has proven to be a mainstay in the playing rotation since his second season when he averaged 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds on 47% shooting (35% from three).

After an increase in minutes last season that saw him start in nearly half of his games played, he increased his averages across the board (10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds) but his effieciency took a hit (43.5% shooting and 34.9% from three). It was a little deflating to the fanbase that he didn’t show he could increase his role but for a team that already has its stars in place, being a role player is what the team needs most.

There hasn’t been any indication that the team has been in contract talks with him about an extension ahead of the deadline but the Grizzlies are normally quiet on that front. He is an enticing young player that could be used in a trade package for another piece and his current salary is manageable ($3.9 million) for a team willing to take a flyer on him.

The Grizzlies have a decision to make soon, extend him now, trade him by the deadline, or risk having to deal with restricted free agency next offseason. The decision isn’t easy with the new cap rules but expect them to wait it out and see how he performs in his fourth season.

Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr.

The decision to make on contract extensions for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart is less pressing since both players have two years remaining on their current deals but it is something to note. Specifically Jaren Jackson Jr., who could be in line to sign a supermax deal worth $318 million if he wins Defensive Player of the Year again or makes an All-NBA team.

With that type of money potential on the line, expect Jaren Jackson Jr. to allow the season play out and bet on himself to get a chance to earn his max earning potential. As for Marcus Smart, he has been a hot trade commodity in the media so expect the Grizzlies to exercise all options when it comes to him.

He is valauble as the veteran leader on the team but will have to prove himself by staying healthy and proving he can fit in with the young core this season. The Grizzlies have time to be patient with all extension candidates but the longer all parties wait, the more pressure will be added next offseason.