The Memphis Grizzlies are ready for a fresh start and a new NBA season.
The 2023 NBA free agency period had an interesting start for them, as they re-signed Desmond Bane to a massive five-year, $207 million max contract extension, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.
BREAKING: Memphis Grizzlies G Desmond Bane has agreed on a five-year, $207M max contract extension, his agents Jim Tanner, Max Wiepking and Terrence Felder of @_Tandemse tell ESPN. Grizzlies’ cornerstone players — Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Bane — are secured long-term. pic.twitter.com/tFeXZedcst
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
Bane has been one of the best players on the team for the last couple of 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.
Twitter account CBB Content recalled the journey Bane had to go through to be where he is right now, explaining how hard he had to fight.
Desmond Bane’s journey to a max contract:
High School:
• 0-star recruit.
• Averaged 30 points a game at a small Catholic school in Indiana.
• Spent his entire senior season of high school uncommitted to a college.
• Commits to TCU over Miami (OH) in May of his senior… pic.twitter.com/R2ejEJPm53— CBB Content (@CBBcontent) July 2, 2023
Bane reacted to this, sending a short but direct and powerful message to fans and people trying to make it in the NBA or somewhere else.
Run your own race 💯 https://t.co/HzR1J2oMju
— Desmond Bane (@DBane0625) July 2, 2023
After the tumultuous 2022-23 NBA season, the Grizzlies appear to be looking for veteran leadership.
They 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, returning to Memphis, where he played in college.
Moreover, they re-signed Desmond Bane, who averaged 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 58 games.
Bane must be happy with this extension, but the grind doesn’t stop there, and the Grizzlies need to deliver as soon as possible.
