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[Saba Sports News] Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. might unexpectedly cash in big following Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending injury.
The San Antonio Spurs phenom was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, sidelining him for the rest of the season. While devastating for Wembanyama’s supporters, his absence dramatically impacts the Defensive Player of the Year race.
Wemby, averaging 3.8 blocks per game in 46 appearances, was the overwhelming favorite for the award. However, NBA rules require a minimum of 65 games played for eligibility, knocking him out of contention.
That leaves Jackson Jr. as one of the frontrunners to win his second consecutive DPOY. If he secures the award, the Grizzlies big man would become eligible for a massive five-year, $345 million supermax extension this offseason—surpassing Jayson Tatum’s record-setting deal from last summer.
To qualify for a supermax contract, a player must either:
1. Make an All-NBA team
2. Win Defensive Player of the Year
3. Win MVP
Alternatively, a player can also qualify by earning All-NBA or DPOY honors in two consecutive seasons or being named MVP within the last three years.
While Jackson could also make his first All-NBA team this season, winning DPOY now looks like his clearest path to a historic payday.
Without one of these honors, Jackson would only be eligible for a four-year, $147 million veteran extension—a massive difference. With Wembanyama out, Jackson now has a golden opportunity to turn defensive dominance into financial history.