With the addition of Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah now has a former Defensive Player of the Year alongside Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, rookie Ace Bailey, and Walker Kessler.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s time in Memphis has officially closed.
The Grizzlies pulled the trigger on a major move, sending the former Defensive Player of the Year to the Utah Jazz in a multi-player, multi-pick deal on Wednesday, February 4 (PH time).
According to league insider Shams Charania, Memphis traded Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah in exchange for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks.
Jackson departs Memphis averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 45 games this season.
A two-time All-Star, he spent his entire eight-year career with the Grizzlies after being selected fourth overall in the 2018 Draft, growing into one of the league’s premier two-way big men.
With Jackson gone, Ja Morant now stands as the lone remaining pillar from the Grizzlies’ 2022 core that reached the Western Conference semifinals before falling to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.
Dillon Brooks has since been traded multiple times and now suits up for Phoenix, while Desmond Bane was dealt to Orlando last offseason—making Jackson the latest and perhaps most significant piece to be moved.
In Utah, Jackson joins an intriguing mix headlined by All-Star Lauri Markkanen, alongside Keyonte George, rookie Ace Bailey, Walker Kessler, and a roster of young talent.
The Jazz, however, are clearly playing the long game, sitting at 15–35, riding a six-game losing streak, and owning the third-worst record in the Western Conference.
Landale exits Memphis after enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds as a reliable rotation piece, while Williams and Konchar saw reduced roles this year.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are at 19–29 and are currently 11th in the West and three games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the final Play-In Tournament spot.
They acquired Niang, who has yet to see action this season due to injury, and two former lottery picks in Hendricks Clayton Jr.
Anderson returns to Memphis for a second stint, reuniting with a franchise where he earlier played back in 2018 until 2022.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.