Grizzlies Trade Jaren Jackson Jr To Jazz In Eight-Player Deal

The Memphis Grizzlies are moving toward a full reset, agreeing a major trade that sends two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player deal. The move reshapes Memphis’ future strategy and places renewed attention on Ja Morant ahead Thursday’s trade deadline.

Memphis, who sit 19-29 and 11th in the Western Conference, reportedly now control 13 future first-round picks. With that draft capital in place, league speculation is growing that Morant, whose name has been linked with trades for weeks, could also be available as the front office leans into a rebuild.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Grizzlies send Jackson, John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah. In return, Memphis receive Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round selections, giving the franchise extra flexibility for long-term roster planning.

Jackson, 26, departs Memphis after spending his entire eight-year NBA career with the franchise that drafted the forward fourth overall in 2018. Jackson still has three seasons left on a five-year, $205 million contract, which includes a player option covering the 2029-30 campaign.

Defence has defined Jackson’s profile, with two All-Defensive First Team selections and the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. That season, Jackson led the league with 3.00 blocks per game. Across 45 appearances this season, Jackson averages 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.51 blocks, close to his career numbers.

Jackson now links up with a Jazz team holding a 15-35 record and trailing Portland by eight games for the final Play-In Tournament position. Memphis, meanwhile, sit three games behind the 10th-place Trail Blazers, and the trade underlines that the Grizzlies are prioritising future assets over a late-season push.