NBA All-Star suffers major injury just one day after signing mega $240 million deal

The Memphis Grizzlies announced that Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a right toe injury while playing basketball off team premises. The team revealed that the forward-center will need surgery—just one day after finalizing a five-year, $240 million contract extension.

However, due to NBA rules, the deal won’t officially take effect until July 6.

How long will Jaren Jackson Jr. be out for?

Memphis, a Western Conference contender, expects Jackson Jr. to make a full recovery after surgery, but no timeline for his return has been set yet.

Jackson Jr., a Michigan State product, started 74 games in the 2024/25 season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. His stellar play earned him his second NBA All-Star nod and a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, thanks to his impressive 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.

Grizzlies enter 2025/26 season thin at center

Jackson’s injury leaves Memphis light at the center position heading into next season. Backup big man Zack Edey, who underwent left ankle surgery right after last season, won’t be fully cleared until roughly two weeks before the new campaign begins.

That leaves just two centers on the roster for now: Spanish forward Santi Aldama and veteran Jay Huff. Aldama recently signed a three-year, $52 million extension to stay with Memphis—the team that acquired him during his rookie year in a trade with the Utah Jazz. Huff is entering the second year of a four-year deal he signed in October 2024.

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