"Better not go nowhere, either" - Ja Morant clarifies stance on Grizzlies forward's future in Memphis following his Twitter post
Through five seasons as teammates, Memphis Grizzlies stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. have established themselves as one of the NBA's best young duos. Jackson recently reflected on his Memphis tenure, with Morant highlighting his desire to see his co-star remain with the franchise long-term.
Jackson, the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NBA draft, has spent his first six seasons with the Grizzlies. During that span, he's established himself as one of the league's premier defenders, winning the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award. He has also earned two All-NBA Defensive first team selections, an All-Star nod and led the league in blocks twice.
However, drafted at age 18, Jackson is only set to turn 25 later this month. Thus, his best years appear to be ahead of him.
Jackson's rim protection and outside shooting have proven to be a strong fit alongside Morant, one of the NBA's most athletic rim finishers. Amid their early-career success, it appears Morant would like to see the duo stay together for the foreseeable future.
On Sunday, Jackson celebrated "901 Day," the "unofficial celebration of Memphis' culture, creativity and community," on X/Twitter. In a follow-up tweet, the star forward touched on how long he's played for the city.
"Been here since I was 18," Jackson said.
Morant replied to Jackson's post, noting that he hopes his teammate doesn't leave the Grizzlies.
"Better not go nowhere, either," Morant said.
Morant is locked under contract for four more seasons, with his deal spanning until the end of the 2027-28 season. However, Jackson only has two more years left on his contract. So, if he doesn't sign an extension, he will become a free agent in 2026.
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Jaren Jackson Jr. seemingly hints at his desire for contract extension following Ja Morant's supportive comment
Per the Memphis Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole, Jaren Jackson Jr. can sign a maximum contract extension worth 30% of the Grizzlies' salary cap next offseason. Moreover, if Jackson makes an All-NBA team or wins another DPOY award, he will be eligible for a supermax deal worth 35% of Memphis' salary cap.
Jackson appears eager to secure a long-term contract with the Grizzlies, as he responded to Ja Morant's supportive message on Sunday with a lock emoji.
This upcoming season, Jackson and the Grizzlies will look to bounce back from their injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign. They finished just 13th (27-55) in the Western Conference, with Morant appearing in only nine games due to a right shoulder injury.
However, with Morant and Co. at or near full strength, Memphis is projected to reestablish itself as an upper-echelon West squad.
In Photos: Ja Morant shows off his tattoos during gym workout