The NBA is an ever-changing sport. That is no different if you're a star or a bench player. Your contract plays a major role in whether you're sitting well with an organization or not. Former Spartan Jaren Jackson Jr. is certainly considered a franchise player for the Memphis Grizzlies.
He's continued to futher prove that by being an All-Star and earning defensive honors in the NBA.
That doesn't mean his future in Memphis is all secure. His NBA future could easily change in a heartbeat, especially when the Grizzlies could move on from him or find a potential trade suitor.
I'm by no means starting a rumor, according to CBS Sports' Sam Quinn, Jackson seems to have a financial situation entering the 2025 offseason.
It appears that Jackson may have missed out on an opportunity to sign a supermax deal. He had signed a rookie extension in 2021, keeping him in Memphis through the 2025-26 season, so free agency would be on the table next offseason.
However, he's not currently making the money he should be given what he's doing as a player.
"The rookie extension he signed in 2021 not only started below the max, but actually reduced his salary each year," Quinn said.
It certainly seems like the Grizzlies have dug themselves a hole, and if they don't pony up, Jaren likely looks elsewhere. You're talking about a player who's honestly put himself into the perennial All-Star category, and always in the hunt for Defensive Player of the Year.
Jackson famously won the award during the 2022-23 season. This guy is worth a supermax, but Memphis doesn't feel that way. It could be an ugly parting if they don't get this situation corrected.
Would hate to see Memphis lose another great MSU hooper, like they did when Zach Randolph moved on after playing eight seasons for the team. Jackson just finished his 17th.