Grizzlies Send Jaren Jackson Jr. to Jazz in Eight-Player Deal Featuring Three First-Round Picks
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The Memphis Grizzlies have traded former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a sweeping eight-player agreement made official Tuesday evening, the Jazz announced at 6:06 p.m. ET.
Utah receives Jackson along with wings John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr. plus center Jock Landale. Memphis acquires guard Walter Clayton, swingman Kyle Anderson, forwards Taylor Hendricks and Georges Niang, and three future first-round draft selections.
Draft Compensation
According to multiple reports, the Grizzlies will collect:
- Los Angeles Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected)
- The most favorable of the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, or Jazz 2027 first-round pick
- Phoenix Suns’ 2031 first-round pick (unprotected)
Strategic Shift for Utah
The move signals an aggressive turn by first-year president of basketball operations Austin Ainge. League sources indicate Utah intends to keep forward Lauri Markkanen and plans to re-sign center Walker Kessler in restricted free agency, envisioning a frontcourt of Markkanen, Jackson, and Kessler next season. The Jazz entered Tuesday at 15-35, the NBA’s sixth-worst record, yet still control at least one first-round pick in every draft beginning in 2026.
Memphis Adds Assets, Cap Flexibility
For Memphis, the return increases its stockpile to 12 first-round picks over the next seven drafts. The trade also generates an NBA-record trade exception of nearly $28.9 million, according to ESPN. While rookies Clayton and Hendricks are 22, the primary focus for the Grizzlies is additional draft capital and future salary relief.
Contract and Salary Details
Jackson’s renegotiated extension will pay him $205 million over the four seasons after the current campaign. Utah absorbs the long-term deal, pushing its 2025-26 payroll up by more than $18 million. Memphis, meanwhile, sends out approximately $45.8 million in salary against $27.5 million incoming.
Source: Hoops Rumors
