Grizzlies Have a Clear Extension Priority in Jaylen Wells

The Memphis Grizzlies have several extension decisions to make this offseason, and Jaylen Wells presents the most straightforward case.

Wells has two years left on his contract, so there is no immediate deadline for a deal. The case for acting early rests on his production. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 69 games this season, shooting 43.1% from the field, 35.3% from 3-point range and 78.4% from the line. Wells, 22, started all 69 games before his season ended early. The Grizzlies announced that he underwent a procedure to repair a tendon avulsion fracture in his right big toe and that he is expected to make a full recovery before the 2026-27 season.

Wells carried a modest offensive workload, which leaves room for his efficiency to improve. His scoring rose from 10.4 points as a rookie, when he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, to 12.5 this season, though his shooting percentages changed little. His month-to-month numbers varied widely. He averaged 10.1 points on 33.3% shooting in January and 14.6 points on 50.5% shooting in February. Greater consistency is the next step in his development.

The structure of an extension would depend on how Memphis handles Wells' 2027-28 team option. If the Grizzlies exercise the option as part of an agreement, the extension would begin in 2028-29 and is projected to be roughly $67 million over three years. If the team declines the option and the extension begins in 2027-28, Wells could sign for upwards of $93 million over four years.

Memphis is projected to have a clean cap sheet for 2027-28 and would not need to delay Wells' first raise to manage its books.

Wells is part of the young core Memphis is building around, alongside fellow keepers Cedric Coward and Cam Spencer. He was one of the team's few healthy regulars this season. Only three Grizzlies appeared in more than 55 games. A full-time starter at 22, he fits the profile of a player a rebuilding team looks to retain.

Beyond Wells being extension-eligible, the Grizzlies have a few other players to monitor. Scotty Pippen Jr. is eligible, but considering how injuries have limited his impact, the timing might be too complicated to work out a deal. GG Jackson II would become eligible for an extension if the Grizzlies decline his option for 2026-27.

Coming off season-ending surgery, Wells has limited leverage at the moment, and a healthy, productive 2026-27 would only raise his price. Getting a deal done sooner rather than later could help Memphis avoid paying more later. 

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