Pondering Over the Core Roster: Should Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Remain Memphis Grizzlies' Key Players?
The Memphis Grizzlies' Offseason Dilemma: Keeping or Letting Go of Key Players
After a disappointing 2024-25 NBA season that saw the Grizzlies being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, Memphis finds themselves in a pivotal off-season, with tough decisions looming over two of their star players: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Elusive Extension and Supermax Eligibility
Jackson's potential eligibility for a supermax extension necessitates a thoughtful decision from the Grizzlies. With just $23.4 million for the final year of his contract, Memphis won't be able to offer him a starting salary over about $32.8 million on a new extension, unless he makes an All-NBA team. Achieving this would net him an astounding starting salary of $59.5 million.
If Jackson fails to secure an All-NBA spot, the team's maximum extension offer will be capped at approximately $146.8 million over four years. That's substantially less than the five-year, $296+ million deal Jackson would be eligible for in 2026 as an unrestricted free agent or the four-year, $219.4 million contract another team would offer him. The team may be rooting for the latter scenario to set a buyer's market.
Ja Morant, on and off the Court
Game 3 of the Grizzlies-Thunder series encapsulated Morant's virtues and flaws. An electrifying start, disrupted by a hip injury that forced him out for the rest of the series, mirrored his tenure in Memphis. His frequent injuries have hindered the team's performance in playoffs.
Now, the Grizzlies must weigh Morant's explosive potential against his injury history and off-court controversies. With Morant earning nearly $126.5 million over the next three seasons compared to Pippen's $7.5 million, the team has affordable backup at the point guard position.
The decision to either retain or trade Morant will significantly impact the Grizzlies, either propelling them forward or sending them sideways in the NBA's Western conference race.
On the Horizon
The team's expiring contracts and successful removal of Marcus Smart's deal provide the Grizzlies with financial flexibility for trades or signings. The looming decisions regarding Morant and Jackson will determine how the team invests its assets, ultimately shaping their roster and trajectory.
Despite the off-season's looming questions, Memphis Grizzlies could find themselves in a potentially advantageous position with the 'buyer's market' for Jaren Jackson Jr., should he fail to secure an All-NBA spot, according to pbpstats.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant's future with the Grizzlies is uncertain due to his injury history and off-court controversies. With affordable backups available, a trade could be a possibility, potentially steering the Grizzlies either forward or sideways in the NBA's Western conference race.
The expiring contracts and successful removal of Marcus Smart's deal have given the team DNL, providing them financial flexibility for trades or signings in the upcoming season.
If handled wisely, these decisions may dnl in the team's favor, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-competitive NBA sports arena.
