Latest news with #JarenJacksonJr
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Grizzlies Urged to Resolve Jaren Jackson Jr Dilemma
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Memphis Grizzlies are entering the upcoming offseason with a ton of questions around their roster. After being swept out of the postseason, Memphis could be in store for some big changes across the team. More NBA news: Lakers' Luka Doncic Looks Completely Unrecognizable Under New Training The franchise parted with former head coach Taylor Jenkins just before the playoffs, replacing him with Tuomas Iisalo. The team then named Iisalo as the permanent coach moving forward, as they try to keep some stability. One of the biggest issues plaguing this Grizzlies team this summer is with star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. and his future with the organization. Jackson Jr. is eligible to receive a big contract extension this offseason, but the team could elect to move him. However, Memphis was given a gift of good luck when Jackson Jr. wasn't placed on any of the three All-NBA teams for the 2024-25 season. Due to this, Jackson Jr. will now miss out on a supermax contract from the Grizzlies. Read more: Grizzlies Star Jaren Jackson Jr Loses Chance at Massive Payday As Dan Favale of Bleacher Report points out, this takes some pressure off the Grizzlies. But Memphis still needs to figure out what it wants to do with the star big man. "And while the Grizzlies wouldn't have to offer the full 35-percent-of-the-cap boat, there would have been pressure to give him at least 30 percent. Memphis can instead now focus on a renegotiation and extension" Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Dallas Mavericks during the game of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Dallas Mavericks during the game of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo byIf Jackson Jr. does stay with the team, it would cost Memphis much less to keep him around. But this also takes a huge advantage away from the Grizzlies, as opposing teams can now pay him a similar amount out on the open market. The two-time All-Star has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this past season. Jackson Jr. pairs very well alongside co-star Ja Morant, but due to the lack of deep playoff runs, the front office could be looking to make some changes. It remains to be seen what Memphis will do this summer, but Jackson Jr. will be the center of it all. If Jackson Jr. does hit the open market in free agency next offseason or the Grizzlies make him available via trade, there will be plenty of suitors to land him. More NBA news: Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Sends Clear Message to Knicks With Game 6 Outfit Bucks Hit With Troubling Brook Lopez Update For more on the Grizzlies and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers Could Land Ideal Star to Pair With Luka Doncic This Summer
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers could have a massive summer ahead of them. Although they are limited in what they can do in free agency, the Lakers are one of the top teams that could make a massive trade or two this summer. More NBA news: Grizzlies Star Jaren Jackson Jr Loses Chance at Massive Payday That appears to be the direction the Lakers are heading, with several potential paths available this offseason. One area of clear need is in the frontcourt, specifically the center position. The trade market could present some intriguing opportunities, and among the more realistic targets is Memphis Grizzlies standout Jaren Jackson Jr. The two-time All-Star may be one of the more prominent names to watch this summer, and if the Grizzlies decide to explore their options, the Lakers could be in a position to make a serious push for the talented big man. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on March 29, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on March 29, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo byAndy Bailey of Bleacher Report mentioned how Jackson is one of five players the Lakers could target this summer. "Jackson is one of the league's best rim protectors and shot blockers. One of his few weaknesses (rebounding) is a strength of Luka's. And unlike some of the other options above, Jackson isn't just a threat as a roller out of ball screens. He's a pick-and-pop option who can keep the lane clear for Luka's drives, too. "Of course, Memphis would have to play ball for this possibility to become reality, and it may be intent on building around Jackson going forward. But again, if the Grizzlies look at the results of the last couple seasons and choose to start over, L.A. can at least present a competitive offer for JJJ." By not being selected to one of the three All-NBA teams, Jackson's potential earnings took a hit—he's now set to make just over $23 million next season, with his total contract value falling just short of the $150 million mark. Still, his on-court production this past season was nothing short of strong. Jackson averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, continuing to establish himself as a key two-way presence. The Lakers could use a big just like Jackson, as he is able to stretch the floor, dominate in the paint and be the rim protector they lacked last season, especially after the Anthony Davis trade. Not only would he fit perfectly for the Lakers' need, but he'll be able to complement Doncic perfectly. Time will tell if the Grizzlies make Jackson available or if the Lakers can make an offer for Jackson that Memphis cannot refuse. More NBA news: Lakers Receive Stern Warning Amid Austin Reaves Trade Rumors Former NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty in Shooting Case Kevin Durant May Have Fueled Trade Rumors With Latest Comments For more Lakers and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jaren Jackson Jr Just Missed a Massive Bag in Stunning Way
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Memphis Grizzlies star center Jaren Jackson Jr. is coming off a stellar 2024-25 season. More NBA news: Lakers' Luka Doncic Looks Completely Unrecognizable Under New Training While the Grizzlies' season was filled with plenty of highs and lows, Jackson was the constant. The 25-year-old completed his seventh season in the league, all with the Grizzlies, and while he was named an All-Star, he missed out on a massive payday. Although Jackson's season was great, he missed out on making one of the three All-NBA teams. Because of that, the two-time All-Star will miss out on a supermax, meaning he will miss out on roughly $200 million. Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Dallas Mavericks during the game of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Dallas Mavericks during the game of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo byThe supermax Jackson would have been able to sign was worth up to $350 million. With that opportunity no longer on the table, Jackson is now positioned to earn just over $23 million next season and will have to settle for a total contract value just shy of $150 million. This comes after he was left off the All-NBA teams, despite posting impressive averages of 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Jackson is entering the final year of the four-year, $105 million contract he inked in October 2021. The Grizzlies are well aware of the importance of locking him in long-term—and with his continued development, the cost of doing so could rise in the near future. Jackson was second in the team in points, fourth in rebounds, and first in blocks. The former Michigan State Spartans is one of the many 2026 free agents who have missed out on supermax deals over the past few months. This could mean a ton of different things for Jackson and the Grizzlies. Jackson may be missing out on a financial boost, but from the Grizzlies' perspective, the silver lining is the flexibility they now gain—likely prompting them to part ways with several of their own free agents to preserve cap space. And that's only the beginning. Another scenario in play is that even with a $17.5 million increase, Jackson's salary still doesn't hit his maximum threshold. While he's currently under contract through the 2025-26 season, he's expected to have a variety of options to consider once he hits the market, positioning him for an intriguing decision ahead. An All-NBA nod this season would have avoided all this. Now, Jackson becomes one of the more intriguing players this offseason and possibly next. More NBA news: 76ers' Paul George Reveals Massive Shade He Received After Eagles' Super Bowl Win Tyrese Haliburton's Dad Has NBA Ban Lifted for Pacers-Knicks Game 4 For more Grizzlies and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Jaren Jackson Jr Not Making All-NBA Is Both Good & Bad For Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 08: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket ... More against Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at FedExForum on November 08, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) The three annual All-NBA teams have been revealed, and Memphis Grizzlies big man, Jaren Jackson Jr, was nowhere to be found. This is both good and bad news for the Grizzlies. Let's get into it why that is. Had Jackson Jr qualified for the supermax, it would have allowed the Grizzlies to exceed the 140% extension limit, which is otherwise in place. This means the Grizzlies could have signed him to a long-term deal, even if the ultimate contract number isn't the actual supermax itself. Needless to say, the Grizzlies would have much preferred an extension opportunity, assuming of course they didn't have to be on the hook for the actual supermax of $345 million. (We'll get back to that.) Now that Jackson Jr isn't eligible, the 140% extension limit is in effect, and that seems like an ambitious foundation for Memphis to build an extension on, given that Jackson Jr is earning $23.4 million in his final year. Under the extension limit, Jackson Jr would be looking at a new contract starting at - roughly - $32.7 million. In many ways, you can argue that'd be a perfectly reasonable number for what he provides on the floor, but as we all know, it's other teams that set the market. Would Memphis be willing to let him walk at a higher price point? It's difficult to envision that given how there isn't any clear avenue of them to replace Jackson Jr. While we just established that a player's value is set by the interest of the market, there's no question that an actual supermax of $345 million over five seasons would be a significant overpay for what Jackson Jr provides, and it'd hinder Memphis in making additional roster moves. In many ways, Jackson Jr's real value is closer to the aforementioned $32.7 million than a deal that would average $69 million per year, especially given his subpar rebounding, and history of playing below his own capabilities in the postseason. Even if the two sides should agree to meet somewhere in the middle, and wish to lock in a deal in the high 40's annual, the extension limit would not allow it, essentially forcing the Grizzlies to let Jackson Jr hit the open market, which is usually running a risk. So, did the Grizzlies lose here? Did Jackson Jr? In the end, it might not matter if the two sides are determined to extend their marriage when Jackson Jr becomes a free agent. But as of right now, not even having the flexibility to negotiate a deal both sides could be satisfied with has to be considered a loss. It's better to have options, than not, even if the two sides don't find common ground. Unless noted otherwise, all stats via PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Trade Idea Pairs Ja Morant With $197 Million West All-Star
The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant suffered a hip contusion in Game 3 and missed Game 4. Memphis drafted Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 draft. The franchise has won only one postseason series since then and Morant has gotten in trouble with the league office for showing a gun on IG live twice. Advertisement Some believe the Grizzlies should trade Morant this summer and build the roster around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. If that happens, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report thinks the New Orleans Pelicans should trade for Morant. Buckley proposed that the Pelicans trade Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and a 2026 first-round pick to the Grizzlies for Morant, who was AAU teammates with Zion Williamson. "If they could just stay upright, they'd destroy defenses in transition and overpower them on pick-and-rolls," Buckley wrote. "There is legitimate three-headed-monster potential with those two and Trey Murphy III, plus New Orleans would still have a solid supporting cast around it." Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12).Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Williamson was the first overall pick in the 2019 draft. He signed a five-year, $197 million extension with the Pelicans in 2022. The two-time All-Star has played in just 45% of his possible games with New Orleans. Advertisement Morant signed a five-year, $197 million extension with the Grizzlies in 2022 as well. The guard has never played in more than 67 games in a season. Williamson appeared in 30 games for the Pelicans this season. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Meanwhile, Morant appeared in 50 games for the Grizzlies. He averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists. If Memphis decides to trade Morant this summer, it will be intriguing to see which teams pursue a trade for the Murray State product. Related: NBA Trade Idea Pairs Ja Morant With $165 Million East All-Star
