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Grizzlies Agree To Contract Extension With Building Block

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Quenton S Albertie | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 6:43 PM ET

Just a quarter of an hour into the 2025 NBA free agency moratorium period, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Jaren Jackson Jr., per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania.

The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award winner will sign a five-year deal for the maximum, $240 million.

Grizzlies Agree To Contract Extension With Jaren Jackson Jr.

Entering the offseason, coming to terms on a new deal with Jackson was considered a priority for the Grizzlies.

Over the past three seasons, the hybrid big man has averaged 21.2 points and 2.0 blocks per game. Thus, he’s become a building block for Memphis with his defensive prowess and volume scoring. As they continue to strive toward their title aspirations, he’s now set to be cornerstone through 2030.

Massive new deal for Jaren Jackson Jr., including a player option in the final year of the contract in 2029-30, sources said. Memphis secures a franchise cornerstone long term, prioritizing the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year’s extension to begin the offseason. https://t.co/KccqYqtEMk

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Like every player, Jackson does have his flaws.

Despite being 6-foot-10 and 242 pounds, he’s not a great rebounder. That being said, with the addition of Zach Edey, Jackson primarily played power forward last season. However, it remains to be seen exactly how Tuomas Iisalo will use Jackson after what will be his first offseason as the team’s head coach.

In the eight regular season games he played under Iisalo, Jackson was featured prominently as a scorer. Yet, he wasn’t as impactful as a rim-protector because of Edey’s presence around the rim. The same held true in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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