NBA Rumor: Amid Ja Morant situation, Grizzlies focus on making major roster move involving 2x All-Star

Modified Apr 01, 2025 21:23 GMT

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies - Source: Imagn — NBA Rumor: Amid Ja Morant situation, Grizzlies focus on making major roster move involving 2x All-Star - Source: Imagn

The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to end their regular season strong and make noise in the Western Conference playoffs this year, but the team has its eyes set on the future. After Ja Morant's issues with former coach Taylor Jenkins were put in the spotlight, Memphis' long-term plans might have taken a different turn around its other budding star.

Jaren Jackson Jr. has been with the Grizzlies since the team drafted him back in 2018 out of Michigan State. The two-time All-Star is one of the leading candidates for this year's Defensive Player of the Year award, and some argue that he, not Morant, has been the best player for a playoff-bound Memphis squad.

According to reports from RealGM, the Grizzlies' biggest goal for this offseason is to secure Jackson Jr. on a long-term contract. The team already has his co-stars Morant and Desmond Bane under contract until 2028, leaving their 6-foot-10 forward as the last key player requiring a contract extension this summer.

According to reports, Memphis is also interested in re-signing role player Santi Aldama to a long-term contract.

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If both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama are given contract extensions, the Grizzlies will be locked into their current lineup for the next few years. It is an exciting proposition for fans, as Memphis sports one of the youngest rosters in the league, including standout rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells.

How does extending Jackson Jr. affect the Grizzlies' offseason?

While Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama's contract extensions are likely the highest priority on the Grizzlies' list heading into the offseason, the team has also been rumored to be interested in Kevin Durant.

Trading for Durant probably requires that Memphis give up a solid chunk of its roster. But bringing him in and signing him on a longer deal becomes more difficult if the Grizzlies commit to Jackson Jr. long-term. The two-time All-Star is expected to have a high asking price in negotiations, especially if he is recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year or if he makes an All-NBA team.

About the author

Zachary Howell is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University and over a year of experience in the field.

Being introduced to the digital side of content inspired Zachary to become a writer, and his love of basketball made this an obvious transition.

His favorite team is the OKC Thunder, and Zachary started following them in 2011 when they were on the rise with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. His favorite basketball players from the past are Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal. Those three came to define their eras of basketball and were dominant without beating their chests too much. Zachary is a big fan of quiet greatness and these three players are good embodiments of that.

When not writing or watching sports, Zachary enjoys reading and exercising, as well as gaming. He loves to be outside and spend time with friends and family, including his three dogs.

Know More

Grizzlies Nation! You can check out the latest Memphis Grizzlies Schedule and dive into the Grizzlies Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

Edited by Nicolaas Ackermann