The Memphis Grizzlies made a surprising move by trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, despite earlier speculation that they might deal guard Ja Morant. This deal, which also includes Vince Williams Jr., John Konchar, and Jock Landale heading to Utah, signals a shift in Memphis’ roster strategy.
In exchange, the Grizzlies received guard Walter Clayton Jr., forwards Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round draft picks. The trade created a historic $28.8 million trade exception for Memphis, marking the largest ever recorded in the NBA.
Details of the Trade and Its Components
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Utah Jazz sent their most favorable 2027 first-round pick (from Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah), the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 2027 first-round pick, and the Phoenix Suns‘ 2031 first-round pick to Memphis as part of the deal. This package provides Memphis with both immediate roster support and valuable future assets.
Background on Memphis’ Trade Talks and Player Performance
Just last month, reports surfaced that the Grizzlies were entertaining offers for Ja Morant amid tensions between the two-time All-Star guard and the coaching staff. Multiple teams reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Morant, which cast uncertainty over his future with the team.
Instead of Morant, Jackson is the first core member of the Grizzlies to be traded. The eight-year veteran has appeared in 45 games this season, averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. As a two-time All-Star and the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson’s departure represents a significant change for Memphis.
Jackson led the league in blocks in both 2022 and 2023, and his defensive prowess is expected to bolster a Jazz defense that is currently ranked last in the league, allowing an average of 127 points per game this season.
Potential Implications and Upcoming Trade Deadline
With the NBA trade deadline approaching on Thursday, the possibility remains that Memphis may still trade Ja Morant, which would mark the beginning of a thorough rebuilding phase for a team that had playoff intentions this season. This recent trade of Jackson Jr. could be a precursor to larger changes ahead for the Grizzlies.
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ax6oQpZx0S
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
The Grizzlies have also created a massive $28.8 million trade exception in this deal — the largest ever in the NBA, per @BobbyMarks42.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
The Utah Jazz are trading their most favorable 2027 first-round pick (Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah), the Lakers' 2027 first-round pick, and Phoenix's 2031 first-round pick to Memphis, source says, to pry Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Grizzlies.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 3, 2026
