Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Ex-NBA Champion Slams Grizzlies Over Jaren Jackson Jr. Decision

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 4:43 AM ET

After getting swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies found themselves at a crossroads.

The team couldn't really pay Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ja Morant all the contracts they wanted at the same time while also maintaining some level of depth. So, they opted to trade Desmond Bane for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick, a 2029 first-round pick swap, and a 2030 first-round pick.

BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/UcQnmHbgZb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2025

In the aftermath of trading Bane, the Grizzlies then gave Jaren Jackson Jr. a five-year, $240 million max contract. It was a move that former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes was an overpay.

BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies and All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. are expected to agree on a five-year, $240 million maximum renegotiation-and-extension, sources tell ESPN. Head of CAA Basketball Austin Brown and CAA agent Max Saidman negotiated the new agreement with the Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/pKkI25cFIp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

"Do I think Memphis overpaid for Jaren Jackson Jr.? Absolutely they did. But we here now. We here now. Next they going to have to pay Ja Morant, right," Perkins questioned on the Road Trippin podcast.

"So if Jaren Jackson Jr. got 240, Ja probably going to get close to 300. Okay. So you pay for those two. Can those two take you to a championship? Absolutely not. Absolutely not," Perkins added. "And I believe Ja is one of one. I’m just not a believer in Jaren Jackson Jr. But he could prove me wrong. He could prove me wrong."

It's hard to say if Kendrick Perkins will ultimately be proven correct, but after last season, the expectations for the Grizzlies seem to be much lower.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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