NBA Rumors: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Grizzlies to Reopen Contract Negotiations in 2025 Offseason | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Jaren Jackson Jr. is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and is in no rush to sign a new contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported Monday that Jackson and the Grizzlies are delaying negotiations until next offseason. The two sides had until 6 p.m. ET to work out an agreement that could have gone up to $106 million over three years.

It was in Jackson’s best interest to wait, as Marks noted that he would be eligible to sign the contract for four years and $147 million after the 2025 NBA Finals. Since there is no extension, he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

The 25-year-old has been one of the cornerstones of the Grizzlies franchise since being drafted in 2018.

The former No. 4 overall pick averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over his career and made a name for himself as a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

He won the coveted award in the 2022-23 season and made his first All-Star team when he averaged three blocks and one steal per game – his career-highs.

Last season, when Memphis’ playoff hopes were dashed by injuries, Jackson posted a career-high 22.5 points per game along with 5.5 boards, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals.

Despite Ja Morant and other stars going 27-55 for most of last season, the future continues to look bright for the Grizzlies. In previous years, they made the playoffs three seasons in a row and reached the second round in 2022 for the first time since 2015.

The star pairing of Jackson and Morant, along with a strong supporting cast highlighted by Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane and exciting rookie Zach Edey, appears to be a squad that can finally make Memphis a contender after years of mediocrity.

The more restrictive collective bargaining agreement has caused general managers to reevaluate when it comes to spending big on both homegrown talent and outside free agents. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in part to gain more long-term payroll flexibility.

When it comes to Jackson, one would expect the Grizzlies to pay up at some point because he would leave a big hole up front if he were to leave.