The Memphis Grizzlies were criticized by Kendrick Perkins, a former champion of the Boston Celtics, for their decision to sign Jaren Jackson Jr.
The OKC Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA playoffs, leaving the Grizzlies at a crossroads.
It would be unrealistic for the team to keep some depth while also paying Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane the massive contracts they requested.
As a result, they decided to part with Desmond Bane in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, a trio of first-round picks in the years 2025, 2026, and 2028; a first-round pick swap in 2029; and a first-round pick in 2030.
In the aftermath of trading Bane, the Grizzlies then gave Jaren Jackson Jr. a five-year, $240 million max contract.
It was a move that former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes was an overpay.
Was the asking price for Jaren Jackson Jr. too much for Memphis? Indeed, it is correct. Here we are, nevertheless.
It is now here. On the Road Trippin podcast, Perkins asked if they will soon have to pay Ja Morant.
So if Jaren Jackson Jr. got 240, Ja probably going to get close to 300. Okay. So you pay for those two. Can those two take you to a championship? Absolutely not.
Absolutely not,” Perkins added. “And I believe Ja is one of one. I’m just not a believer in Jaren Jackson Jr. But he could prove me wrong. He could prove me wrong.”
It’s hard to say if Kendrick Perkins will ultimately be proven correct, but after last season, the expectations for the Grizzlies seem to be much lower.
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