Jaren Jackson Jr. Could Secure Historic $345 Million Supermax Extension If He Wins DPOY

Jaren Jackson Jr. has a golden opportunity to secure the biggest contract of his career and the largest deal in NBA history. The Memphis Grizzlies’ defensive anchor is in line for a five-year, $345 million supermax extension—but only if he wins Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). 

With Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending injury, Jackson’s path to a second DPOY award has become much clearer, making the financial implications even more significant.

Jaren Jackson Jr., the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, has once again showcased elite defensive ability, averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per game while anchoring the Grizzlies’ defense. His impact extends beyond individual stats, as seen in his Defensive Win Shares (DWS) of 2.6 and Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) of 1.0. His ability to guard multiple positions while remaining a dominant rim protector makes him one of the most versatile defenders in the league.

Despite facing heavy competition from Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, Jackson remains the frontrunner. His biggest rival, Victor Wembanyama, was the overwhelming favorite to win the award before his season-ending blood clot diagnosis ruled him ineligible. With Wembanyama out of the running, Jackson’s chances of winning DPOY for the second time in three seasons have skyrocketed.

Winning the award would not just be an individual milestone but also a franchise-altering moment for Memphis, as it would make Jackson eligible for the supermax contract extension.

If Jackson wins DPOY, Memphis will have a major financial decision to make. The Grizzlies have already committed big money to Ja Morant, and locking up Jackson at $69 million per season would consume a massive chunk of their salary cap. The financial implications of this are staggering. 

Without the DPOY win, Jackson’s max extension would be worth $147 million over four years—a significant drop from the potential $345 million payday that awaits him if he takes home the award.

With Jackson and Morant as their franchise cornerstones, Memphis could become a title contender in the coming years. However, committing $345 million to Jackson limits their ability to add significant supporting pieces—a risk the front office will have to weigh carefully.

Even beyond defense, Jackson is playing at an elite level offensively, averaging 22.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man while maintaining elite defensive presence makes him a rare and valuable asset in today’s NBA.

Memphis has thrived with Jackson leading the defense, holding a 37-19 record, which boosts his DPOY candidacy. If the Grizzlies continue their strong play, Jackson’s case for another DPOY trophy—and a $345 million payday—only grows stronger.

In the modern NBA, particularly in the "second apron" era of the salary cap, massive contracts like the one Jackson is vying for have far-reaching consequences beyond just a player’s earnings. 

Teams that exceed the first or second apron face severe roster-building restrictions, including limited trade flexibility and prohibitions on using key exceptions for signings. The Grizzlies must weigh these challenges carefully as they consider whether to lock in Jackson at the supermax level.

Jackson’s decision to bet on himself by declining a previous three-year, $106 million extension could prove to be one of the smartest moves of his career. With each passing game, he inches closer to securing a deal that would dwarf his current contract. Memphis, on the other hand, will have to navigate the challenge of keeping their defensive star while maintaining roster flexibility. 

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Jackson’s performance down the stretch will ultimately determine whether he cashes in on the NBA’s richest possible payday.