When the Memphis Grizzlies jettisoned guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic earlier this season speculation began to swirl that the move was the opening salvo in a teardown and rebuild for the franchise.
However, the Grizzlies and the 2-time All-Star big man have agreed on a five-year, $240 million max-level extension with a player option for the year of the deal in 2029-30. Much to the delight of Grizzlies fans, the deal keeps their 25-year-old big man out of unrestricted free agency, which he was set to enter after the end of next season.
With Ja Morant appearing in just 59 games over the past two seasons, due to injury and his knuckle-headed actions, Jackson has averaged 22.35 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.15 assists and making the All-Star team this season for the second time in his career.
