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Ja Morant Had Five Words After Major Grizzlies News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 8:54 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies snuck into the playoffs this past season, but the organization isn’t settling for that. They proved as much when they traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic before the conclusion of the NBA Finals.

However, they’re still maintaining their foundation of star talent with guard Ja Morant and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis agreed to a five-year, $240 million max renogotiation and extension with the latter player when free agency opened on Monday evening.

Jackson averaged 22.2 points on 48.8 percent shooting with 5.6 rebounds this past season. The 6-foot-10-inch, 242-pounder was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

Morant posted a message to social media after the news released.

“Watching my dawgs get paid,” he posted with a GIF of Michael Scott from “The Office” looking emotional.

Morant also has three seasons left on his rookie extension.

watching my dawgs get paid pic.twitter.com/TdzA5YHVuU
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 30, 2025

Memphis drafted Jackson No. 4 overall out of Michigan State in 2018. He was named to the 2019 All-Rookie First Team and led the NBA in blocks in 2022 and 2023.

Jackson is also a three-time All-Defensive honoree and two-time All-Star. He was second only to Morant on the Grizzlies in scoring average this past season and led with 1.5 blocks per game.

Memphis is having an active offseason, as it traded up to No. 11 in the draft to select Cedric Coward out of Washington State. It also signed former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome on Monday to a three-year, $28 million deal with a player option for the final season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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