Breaking: Free Agent Taj Gibson Returns to NBA At Age 40

Death. Taxes. And Taj Gibson suiting up for another NBA season. Gibson is coming back for yet another go-round in the National Basketball Association. Now aged 40, the defensive enforcer has agreed to return with a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The return: Taj Gibson has agreed on a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. At 40 years old, Gibson is back in the NBA for his 17th season – a big man regarded as a consummate leader and professional over his career. pic.twitter.com/Zo9mQ5KoL7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2026

This will be Gibson's 17th NBA season. He is known as the consummate professional and a team leader.

He last played in the league with the Charlotte Hornets last season, getting into 37 games, while being a DNP-CD for most other night, but still providing that leadership from the bench and in the locker room. He averaged 11 minutes per game when he did play.

In his 16-year career, he's averaged 8.4 points and 5.7 rebounds.