puis dans la liste qui s’affiche, cliquez sur AdBlock
Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
Following the recent surprise departure of Desmond Bane, many are questioning the Grizzlies’ intentions. Some Lakers fans are even hoping to see their franchise take advantage of the opportunity to lure Jaren Jackson Jr. this summer, to which a famous NBA insider reacted.
For several days now, influential NBA journalists had been predicting a turbulent start to the off-season. Even so, no one really expected the Grizzlies to light the first fuse. The Grizzlies, who had been absent from the rumor mill until then, completed the first deal of the off-season when they picked up a huge package in exchange for Desmond Bane. This raises questions about their project.
Relatively competitive in recent years, the Memphis franchise has nevertheless decided to part company with one of its star players. Some saw this as a sign of the reconstruction to come, and predicted the possible future departure of Jaren Jackson Jr. It didn’t take much for the possibility of sending the star inside player to the Lakers to emerge… only to be quickly nipped in the bud.
No chance for the Lakers in the Jaren Jackson Jr. case?
Faced with the excitement generated by the possible release of Jaren Jackson Jr. to the market, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps has been quick to calm everyone down in recent hours:
Tim Bontemps: No other Memphis star is expected to be traded. Sources tell ESPN that the Grizzlies are not looking to transfer the franchise’s two remaining cornerstones.
According to the American journalist, Bane’s trade would even have solidified JJJ’s future in Tennessee:
Tim Bontemps: The Grizzlies have spent the last few months freeing up cap space so they can renegotiate Jackson’s contract and offer him an extension this off-season, preventing him from entering the free agent market in 2026.
According to sources, the trend is for an extension agreement to be reached soon. In fact, Bane’s departure leaves Memphis free to pay Jackson an even bigger sum in this deal and secure his place in the squad for the long term.
Barely born, this case seems already closed.
Without knowing whether they had any real interest in Jackson, the Lakers will have to fall back on other avenues to strengthen their pivotal position. It’s a safe bet, however, that none will prove as attractive as the one that led them to the Grizz’ big man, multiple All-Star and former Defender of the Year. Some of their fans are therefore likely to express a certain disappointment.
