As the Memphis Grizzlies evaluate their trade options involving Ja Morant, there are questions of how Jaren Jackson Jr. will feel about the franchise moving forward with even a bigger rebuild of their roster than it first appeared when they traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in June. The Grizzlies followed up their trade of Bane by signing Jackson to a renegotiate-and-extend contract worth $240 million over five seasons.
“They traded Desmond Bane this summer and what else did they do this summer of significance?” said Tim MacMahon on Monday’s Hoop Collective Podcast.
“They also extended Jaren Jackson Jr.,” replied Tim Bontemps.
“To as much as they could give him the second they could give him, despite the fact they knew he had to get toe surgery,” said MacMahon. “So their actions are telling you that they’re determined to rebuild the Grizzlies, I would say, around Jaren Jackson Jr. There’s a lot of discussion around the league wondering if that is mutual, I would say.”
Jackson is averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 30.4 minutes across 37 games this season. Jackson’s PER has dropped from 19.4 last season to 14.5. Jackson is a two-time All-Star and one-time Defensive Player of the Year who is 26 and under team control until his player option in 2029. Jackson is represented by Austin Brown and Max Saidman of CAA.