Jazz land Jaren Jackson Jr. from Grizzlies in eight-player, three-pick swap
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The Utah Jazz have obtained two-time All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies in an eight-player trade finalized two days before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, according to multiple sources.
Utah receives Jackson along with center Jock Landale and guards John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr.
Memphis acquires rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr. and forwards Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks and Georges Niang, plus three first-round draft picks: the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2027 selection, the most favorable of Utah’s other 2027 first-rounders (Utah/Cleveland Cavaliers/Minnesota Timberwolves) and the Phoenix Suns’ 2031 pick.
Jackson, 26, was the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23 and renegotiated a four-year, $205 million contract last summer that includes a $53.5 million player option for 2029-30. He is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 45 games this season.
The move signals Utah’s intent to contend next season alongside forward Lauri Markkanen, guard Keyonte George and center Walker Kessler. Markkanen ranks eighth in the NBA in scoring this year.
For Memphis, the trade accelerates a roster overhaul. The Grizzlies, 19-29 and three games behind Portland for the Western Conference’s final play-in spot, now hold 12 first-round picks over the next seven drafts and created a league-record $28.8 million trade exception. Sources add that former All-Star guard Ja Morant remains available as the franchise shifts into a full rebuild.
Source: ESPN
