Grizzlies Make Major Trade with Jazz

The Memphis Grizzlies have shaken things up by trading one of their key players as the February 5th trade deadline approaches.

Jaren Jackson Jr., selected fourth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, was the central figure in a package sent to the Utah Jazz. Alongside him, the Grizzlies moved John Conchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr.

In return, the Jazz are sending Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks back to Memphis.

This significant change for the Jazz adds Jackson to a roster already featuring Lauri Markkanen, Keyontae George, and Walker Kessler. For the Grizzlies, it seems to indicate a shift towards rebuilding, particularly given their impressive haul of first-round picks and a young core.

Memphis now holds an astonishing 13 first-round picks over the next seven years—tying them with the Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, this trade set a record for creating the largest trade exception in NBA history, valued at $28.8 million. It’s quite the refresh the struggling 19-29 Grizzlies need.

The Jazz are having a tough season, currently standing at 15-35 after suffering six consecutive losses as of Sunday night.

Jackson, a standout from Michigan State, has made quite an impact in the league, earning two All-Star selections. Over his 452 games with the Grizzlies, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.9 blocks. He’s also known as one of the league’s top defenders, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2022-23 season and being named to the second team of All-Defense last year.

This season, Jackson has shown remarkable versatility as a big man, averaging 19.2 points while shooting 35.9% from three-point range and 47.5% overall. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the Jazz’s strategy moving forward.