TITLE: Kings Eye Keegan Murray’s Post-Break Return; Reaves Back for Lakers; Jazz Welcome Jaren Jackson Jr.
SLUG: kings-injury-murray-reaves-return-jazz-jackson-trade
CONTENT:
The Sacramento Kings expect forward Keegan Murray to be available shortly after the All-Star break, according to James Ham of The Kings Beat. Murray has been sidelined since January 4 with a moderate sprain of his left ankle and was formally ruled out for two additional weeks on Tuesday. Sacramento’s first game following the break is a home matchup against Orlando on Thursday, February 19, which stands as the earliest realistic target date for his return pending a medical evaluation earlier that week.
In Los Angeles, guard Austin Reaves suited up Tuesday for the first time since December 25. Coming off a 19-game absence caused by a calf strain, Reaves logged 21 minutes off the bench, shooting 3-for-9 but finishing with 15 points and a plus-10 rating in the Lakers’ comfortable victory in Brooklyn. Head coach JJ Redick said the 25-year-old “looked like Austin” and noted that Reaves is positioned for a “pretty significant raise” when he reaches free agency this summer.
Analysts continue to dissect the blockbuster deal that sent forward Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis to Utah. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic views the swap as a potential win for both the Jazz and Grizzlies, while colleague Tony Jones believes it signals the beginning of the end of Utah’s multiyear rebuild; the Jazz still hope to retain their top-eight-protected 2026 first-round pick.
Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune writes that Jackson—formerly the league’s Defensive Player of the Year—provides the Jazz with a much-needed defensive anchor. Utah ranks last in the NBA in defensive rating for a third straight season in 2025-26. Larsen also highlighted newly acquired fourth-year wing Vince Williams Jr., saying he could immediately emerge as the club’s top perimeter stopper.
Despite parting with four teammates in the trade, Jazz players expressed optimism about Jackson’s arrival. “Obviously the exciting part is Walker (Kessler) and Jaren,” guard Keyonte George said. “That frontcourt is crazy… Walker can be a great presence, but now he also knows that he’s got somebody behind him.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
