Due to the success of Ubiquiti Networks, Robert Pera has become the third richest owner in the NBA with a net worth of approximately $15 billion. The Memphis Grizzlies, meanwhile, have become one of the NBA's best success stories this season with a promising young core built around Ja Morant.
While Pera is focused on Ubiquiti Networks, he is in the loop constantly with his decision makers.
"From day one, [Pera is] someone who worked hard to make things happen behind the scenes," says former NBA player Elliott Perry, who is one of the team's part owners. "He was always doubling down and trying to find ways to support the team."
Pera almost never involves himself directly in league business, league and team sources ESPN.
But Pera is in touch daily with Zach Kleiman, the Memphis general manager he put in charge in 2019, and Jason Wexler, the team president who has been one of the franchise leaders since Pera bought the team.
"They're 'team Slack,'" jokes one league executive, referencing the medium through which Pera is known to often communicate with his leadership. "They should do a commercial for it."
With Pera's wealth, the Grizzlies may be able to be a luxury tax paying team despite their small market status. The franchise hasn't paid the luxury tax since 2005. Sources tell ESPN that the Grizzlies have been sending signals they intend to be aggressive in retaining and acquiring talent.
