Taj Gibson has agreed to a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking a return to the NBA for the 40-year-old veteran, according to Shams Charania via ESPN. This will be Gibson’s 17th season, making him the 35th player in league history to appear in a game after turning 40.
The 40-year-old agreed to a two-year deal, with this season guaranteed and a non-guaranteed $3.8 million salary for 2026-27, according to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.
Gibson, the No. 26 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, has been praised throughout his career for his professionalism and leadership.
Over his career, Gibson has averaged 8.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks across 1,002 games. His presence in the paint has been a consistent defensive asset, while his experience offers guidance to a Grizzlies roster with young stars like Ja Morant and Santi Aldama.
Memphis currently holds a 21-36 record and is looking to build resilience in the Western Conference. Gibson’s addition provides the team with a seasoned big man capable of contributing both on and off the floor.
This season, the Grizzlies have leaned on Morant, who is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists over 20 games, and center Zach Edey, averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds.
Gibson has a history of durable production, including seasons with double-digit scoring and strong rebounding numbers. In 2017-18 with Minnesota, he averaged 12.2 points and 7.1 rebounds while starting all 82 games.
