The Memphis Grizzlies are entering the upcoming offseason with a ton of questions around their roster. After being swept out of the postseason, Memphis could be in store for some big changes across the team.
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The franchise parted with former head coach Taylor Jenkins just before the playoffs, replacing him with Tuomas Iisalo. The team then named Iisalo as the permanent coach moving forward, as they try to keep some stability.
One of the biggest issues plaguing this Grizzlies team this summer is with star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. and his future with the organization. Jackson Jr. is eligible to receive a big contract extension this offseason, but the team could elect to move him.
However, Memphis was given a gift of good luck when Jackson Jr. wasn’t placed on any of the three All-NBA teams for the 2024-25 season. Due to this, Jackson Jr. will now miss out on a supermax contract from the Grizzlies.
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As Dan Favale of Bleacher Report points out, this takes some pressure off the Grizzlies. But Memphis still needs to figure out what it wants to do with the star big man.
“And while the Grizzlies wouldn’t have to offer the full 35-percent-of-the-cap boat, there would have been pressure to give him at least 30 percent. Memphis can instead now focus on a renegotiation and extension”
If Jackson Jr. does stay with the team, it would cost Memphis much less to keep him around. But this also takes a huge advantage away from the Grizzlies, as opposing teams can now pay him a similar amount out on the open market.
The two-time All-Star has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this past season. Jackson Jr. pairs very well alongside co-star Ja Morant, but due to the lack of deep playoff runs, the front office could be looking to make some changes.
It remains to be seen what Memphis will do this summer, but Jackson Jr. will be the center of it all. If Jackson Jr. does hit the open market in free agency next offseason or the Grizzlies make him available via trade, there will be plenty of suitors to land him.
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