The Memphis Grizzlies are ready for a fresh start and a new NBA season.
The 2023 NBA free agency stint was off to an interesting start for them, as they re-signed Desmond Payne to a whopping five-year contract extension worth $207 million max, Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
BREAKING: Memphis Grizzlies G Desmond Bane has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $207 million max, agents Jim Tanner, Max Webking and Terrence Fielder from @tweet Tell ESPN. Grizzlies key players – Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. And Bane – they are insured for the long haul. pic.twitter.com/tFeXZedcst
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
Bane has been one of the best players on the team over the past two seasons, even taking over when Ja Morant wasn’t available.
The guard is a valuable piece for the Grizzlies, and this deal is proof that hard work pays off.
CBB’s Twitter account referenced the journey Bane had to go through to get to where he is now, showing how hard the fight was.
Desmond Payne’s Journey to the Maximum Contract:
High school:
• 0 star recruit.
• Averaged 30 points per game at a small Catholic school in Indiana.
• Spent his entire senior high school season not committed to a college.
• Commits to TCU over Miami (OH) in May of senior… pic.twitter.com/R2ejEJPm53– CBB content (CBBcontent) July 2, 2023
Bane responded to this, sending a short but direct and powerful message to fans and people trying to make it happen in the NBA or elsewhere.
Run your own race 💯 https://t.co/HzR1J2oMju
– Desmond Payne (@DBane0625) July 2, 2023
After a turbulent 2022-23 NBA season, the Grizzlies appear to be looking for veteran leadership.
They’ve already landed Marcus Smart via trade to add a much needed veteran presence in the locker room.
Derrick Rose also signed with them in free agency, and moved back to Memphis, where he played in college.
Furthermore, they re-signed Desmond Payne, who averaged 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 58 games.
Bane should be happy with this extension, but the grind doesn’t stop there, and the Grizzlies must deliver ASAP.
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