Grizzlies ink GM Kleiman to long-term extension

The Memphis Grizzlies signed executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager Zach Kleiman to a long-term extension, the team announced Thursday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Zach has proven to be a strong cultural leader in this organization, consistently demonstrating high integrity, hard work, humility, and a drive for continuous improvement," said controlling owner Robert Pera in a statement.

"We have confidence in our strategy and believe it will results in an elite organization over the long term."

Kleiman joined the Grizzlies in 2015. He was promoted to his current position just two years ago and finished sixth in the NBA's 2019-20 Executive of the Year voting.

Kleiman had a significant role in a number of key decisions over the past few seasons, including the drafting of cornerstones Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson as well as the hiring of head coach Taylor Jenkins.

Memphis finished 38-34 this past season as they secured their first playoff berth since the 2016-17 campaign. The Grizzlies fell in five games to the Utah Jazz in the opening round of the postseason.