MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two days before tipping off the season and mere hours before Monday afternoon’s 5 pm deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies locked up a big piece of their future, agreeing to terms with fourth year forward Jaren Jackson Junior on a new and very lucrative four year, 105 million dollar deal.

A new contract that averages 26 and a quarter million over the next four years, beginning next season for the fourth overall pick back in the 2018 draft.

A good deal and a compromise for both sides.

Jackson gets paid and the Grizzlies keep their talented star at well below the max after Jackson, who averaged over 15 points, five rebounds and one and a half blocks a game in his NBA career, missed a big large part of the last season and a half with injury.

He’s also the first Grizzlies first round pick since Mike Conley to sign a second contract with the team.

“Feels great.  I’m locked in.  Nothing really changes on the court.  We’re still in the same great place as a team.  We’re just looking forward to getting back out there.  Basketball has two sides and the business side for me is good,” Jackson said.  “I’m locked in.  I’m blessed.  I’m happy to be here and be around people I love.”

“Today is a great day for the organization.  Today is a great day for the city of Memphis,” said Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman.  “We’re very happy to be able to get a deal done with Jaren.  We’re very happy for Jaren.  As we’ve said all along, Jaren is a core driver of us pushing towards our goal of bringing a championship here to Memphis.”

Jackson and the Grizzlies tip off the 2021-22 season Wednesday night at FedExForum against the Cleveland Cavaliers.