NBA Star Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Predicted New Contract With Grizzlies

After an early exit in the Conference Quarterfinals to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 4 games, Memphis could shift to a blockbuster trade, or keep their own and move forward with their core.

Of course, there are already rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to Memphis, and the Grizzlies do have assets, but a new report from The Athletic's Danny Leroux says otherwise.

"Memphis is arguably the most interesting team in the league this summer. The Grizzlies’ deadline deals conspicuously left them with a small amount of cap space, which the front office could use to renegotiate and extend Jaren Jackson Jr.," Leroux said.

He continued to say, "Assuming that happens, Memphis would also have the $8.8-million room exception available (rather than the $14.1 million nontaxpayer MLE if they stayed over the cap) and would have plenty of wiggle room under the tax to retain restricted free agent Santi Aldama."

Aldama would be a top free agent in this year's market, and with Jaren Jackson Jr. restructuring his contract to better suit the future of the Grizzlies' core, he would be easier to retain.

With the Grizzlies in "win-now" mode, along with a new coach and a terrific trio of core players, it would make sense to save their assets and be more fiscally savvy around the edges. But on the other hand, they have the capital to push their chips to the center of the table and go all-in on a bona fide superstar.