Grizzlies tie down Jaren Jackson Jr. with max extension deal

Despite speculation that he could be traded this offseason, Jaren Jackson Jr. is set to re-sign with the Memphis Grizzle on a max extension deal.

The 25-year-old is entering the final year on his current contract, meaning that he would be available as an unrestricted free agent next summer unless new terms could be agreed. However ESPN reports that the Grizzlies and Jackson have agreed a five-year, $240 million max extension.

The Grizzlies have seen Jackson, their first round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, become one of the most dominant defensive players in the league in recent seasons. In 2023 he was named to the All-Star game for the first time and he went on to be crowned Defensive Player of the Year later that season.

The 2024/25 season was the best so far for Jackson, putting up an average of 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Heading into the summer that made him a key piece for the Grizzlies, who had a number of other roster questions to answer.

They have tied down Santi Aldama on a new three-year deal worth $52.5 million and handed Cam Spencer a two-year, $4.5 million extension. That has helped to reduce the offseason instability but they have lost one key piece.

Last week it was announced that the Grizzlies had agreed to trade Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, avoiding the prospect of losing him to free agency when his current deal expires next summer. In return, Memphis will receive Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and multiple 1st-round picks as they look to refresh a team that finished 8th in the Western Conference last year.

“We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic family,” Orlando’s president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said of the move. “Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward.”

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