The Memphis Grizzlies traded star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. along with three teammates to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, acquiring four players and three future first-round picks ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. This blockbuster deal signals a full rebuild for Memphis after years of injuries and underperformance, while Utah aims to accelerate its contention timeline by bolstering its defense. The move reshapes both Western Conference teams' futures.
In a stunning development on the eve of the NBA's February 5 trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies sent Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz. In return, Memphis received Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three first-round draft picks: the most favorable 2027 selection among the Jazz, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers; the Lakers' top-four protected 2027 pick; and the Suns' unprotected 2031 pick.
Jackson, a two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year selected fourth overall in 2018, has averaged 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists this season while leading the Grizzlies in minutes at 30.7 per game. The 28-year-old now joins a Jazz frontcourt featuring Lauri Markkanen and the returning Walker Kessler, addressing Utah's league-worst defense that allows 127.0 points per game. The Jazz, sitting at 15-35 and 13th in the West, appear ready to end their rebuild, with coach Will Hardy praised for his development work and breakout performer Keyonte George shining.
For Memphis, with a 19-29 record, the trade accelerates a pivot to rebuilding following the summer departure of Desmond Bane and persistent injuries to core players like Ja Morant. The Grizzlies now hold 13 first-round picks over the next seven drafts, tying them with Oklahoma City and Brooklyn for the most in the league. This asset haul, including a historic $28.8 million trade exception, positions general manager Zach Kleiman to draft and develop talent, as seen with recent success like Cedric Coward. Analysts give Memphis a slight edge in trade grades (B+ vs. Utah's B), citing the value of future picks in uncertain draft classes.
While questions linger—such as Utah's salary flexibility with max contracts for Jackson and Markkanen, or Memphis finding a suitor for Morant—the deal underscores diverging paths: Utah surges toward playoffs, Memphis embraces a patient rebuild.
