It seems like Memphis Grizzlies aren’t so high on forward Josh Jackson, despite the fact that he was their fourth overall pick just two years ago. After they didn’t bring him in for training camp, Grizzlies will now reportedly reject the fourth-year option on Jackson’s contract.
Jackson, who will start the season with Grizzlies G League affiliate Memphis Hustle, has an $8,930,242 team option for 2020-21 on his rookie deal. Although Memphis has a deadline until October 31st to pick up this option, according to The Daily Memphian‘s Chris Herrington, the team will let the deadline pass without exercising it.
Grizzlies landed Josh Jackson in July as part of Phoenix Suns’ efforts to clear up their salary. Jackson previously played two seasons with the Suns, but struggled with off-the-court issues and inconsistency.
In his rookie season, Jackson showed promise by making NBA All-Rookie Second Team after he averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. In his sophomore year, however, his numbers declined all over the scoreboard, and he failed to make the jump Phoenix expected him to make.
After a disappointing season, and several cases of problematic behavior, Jackson became expendable, and Suns jumped on the opportunity to part ways with him. Grizzlies, on the other hand, were happy to take a chance on a young player with a big upside. If things don’t work out, they will be able to let him walk away next summer and have no losses.
