Memphis Grizzlies Players Salary: Ja Morant’s $53M Deal Powers Young Contender’s Return

Memphis operates with approximately $175 million in payroll returning to playoff contention after injury-plagued season. Ja Morant leads the roster at $53.3 million annually as the dynamic point guard resumes his electrifying play following suspension and injury.

Jaren Jackson Jr. ($27.5M), Desmond Bane ($33.9M), and Marcus Smart ($20.2M) complete the core four. Luke Kennard ($14.8M) and Brandon Clarke ($12.5M) provide depth as Memphis balances star spending with role player efficiency.

Explore the Memphis Grizzlies players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.

Memphis Grizzlies Top 10 Highest-Paid Players

Morant earns $53.3 million through his five-year, $231.2 million designated rookie max extension signed in July 2022. His explosive athleticism and scoring justify the contract though off-court incidents and injuries created concern about maximizing potential.

Bane makes $33.9 million through his five-year, $207 million extension signed in October 2022. His elite shooting and two-way consistency provide offensive reliability. Jackson Jr. collected $27.5 million through his four-year, $105 million extension offering elite rim protection and Defensive Player of the Year pedigree.

Smart earned $20.2 million after arriving via trade from Boston. His championship experience and defensive intensity fit Memphis’ grit-and-grind culture. Kennard makes $14.8 million providing veteran shooting off the bench.

Ja Morant Net Worth Despite Suspension Issues

Morant accumulated $98 million building a $60 million net worth by age 25. His Nike endorsement deal and rising star status created commercial appeal though off-court gun incidents resulted in suspension and lost endorsement opportunities.

Bane earned $68 million creating a $42 million fortune entirely in Memphis. His Jordan Brand partnership adds supplemental income. Jackson Jr. collected $88 million building a $54 million net worth winning 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award.

Smart earned $138 million building an $86 million net worth across Boston and Memphis winning 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. Kennard collected $78 million creating a $48 million fortune. Clarke accumulated $38 million building a $22 million net worth.

Grizzlies Salary Breakdown by Position

Guards consumed $122 million—70% of total payroll. Morant ($53.3M), Bane ($33.9M), Smart ($20.2M), and Kennard ($14.8M) lead backcourt spending. Memphis prioritizes elite perimeter shot creation and playmaking through guard-heavy investment.

Forwards cost just $39 million with Jackson Jr. ($27.5M) functioning as power forward/center hybrid. Centers totaled $7 million with Edey as sole traditional big man. Memphis’ position-less approach creates defensive versatility switching across multiple positions.

Desmond Bane Extension Secures Offensive Firepower

Bane earns $33.9 million through his five-year, $207 million extension signed in October 2022. His elite three-point shooting—career 39% from deep—and improving playmaking justify near-max investment as Memphis’ most consistent two-way player.

His extension locked him through 2030 providing stability alongside Morant. Bane’s ability to create offense with or without the ball makes him perfect complement to Morant’s explosive driving. Partnership creates dynamic backcourt powering Memphis’ offense.

Extension timing before statistical breakout created team-friendly value. Bane’s production exceeds salary relative to comparable wings commanding max contracts. Memphis’ front office expertise maximized value extending him early.

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Defensive Value

Jackson Jr. earns $27.5 million through his four-year, $105 million extension signed in July 2022. His elite rim protection—2023 Defensive Player of the Year—and improving three-point shooting create modern two-way big man profile.

His versatility defending multiple positions fits Memphis’ switch-heavy scheme. Jackson’s offensive development from rim runner to floor spacer justifies extension though foul trouble occasionally limits effectiveness. Contract runs through 2028 aligning with core’s championship window.

Brandon Clarke makes $12.5 million providing athletic finishing and defense. His four-year, $52 million deal signed in October 2021 represents solid value for energy big man. Santi Aldama collected $8.5 million offering stretch-four versatility.

Marcus Smart Brings Championship Experience

Smart earns $20.2 million after arriving via trade from Boston in June 2023. His championship pedigree and defensive intensity provide veteran leadership for young roster. Smart’s willingness to sacrifice offense for defense fits Memphis’ identity.

His two-year remaining contract provides flexibility evaluating long-term fit. Smart’s playmaking and decision-making supplement Morant’s explosive scoring. Pairing creates dynamic guard rotation when both healthy.

Zach Edey makes $7.3 million as 2024 ninth pick providing massive 7’4″ center presence. His traditional back-to-basket game creates unique offensive dimension. Rookie-scale contract runs through 2029 with team options providing cost certainty.

FAQs

Who is Memphis Grizzlies’ highest-paid player?

Ja Morant earns $53.3 million through his five-year, $231.2 million designated rookie max extension signed in July 2022 despite suspension and injury concerns.

What is Desmond Bane’s contract worth?

Bane signed a five-year, $207 million extension in October 2022 earning $33.9 million annually through 2030 as Memphis’ most consistent two-way player.

How much do Memphis spend on guards?

Memphis allocated $122 million to guards representing 70% of total payroll led by Morant’s $53.3 million with Bane, Smart, and Kennard creating elite backcourt depth.

Does Jaren Jackson Jr. deserve Defensive Player of Year money?

Jackson Jr. earns $27.5 million through his four-year extension representing excellent value for 2023 DPOY winner with improving offensive game through 2028.