The Utah Jazz will be without center Jaren Jackson Jr. for the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season after he was diagnosed with a localized PVNS growth in his left knee, which requires surgery. Jackson, acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies just last week, will undergo the procedure to protect his long-term health, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Jackson’s Brief Impact and Season Performance
Jackson arrived in Utah as part of a significant eight-player trade that included three first-round draft picks heading back to Memphis. In his first two games with the Jazz, he scored 22 points in a loss against the Orlando Magic and 23 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings. This season, Jackson has appeared in 48 games, averaging 19.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. This marks the first time since the 2022-23 season that his scoring average has dipped below 20 points. He had also missed the season’s start due to summer surgery addressing a turf toe injury.
Utah Jazz’s Current Standings and Future Focus
With an 18-37 record, the Jazz are positioned among the teams competing for the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Only the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets have a poorer record this season. Utah’s decision to sideline Jackson for the remainder of the season signals a commitment to prioritize player health while shifting focus towards the franchise’s long-term rebuilding plans.
Rebuilding Around a Young Core
The Jazz are cultivating a young roster centered on prospects such as Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. Adding another promising player in Jackson fits into their strategy to strengthen the team for upcoming seasons. The organization appears to be aiming for sustained success rather than short-term gains as they prepare for future drafts and player development.
Upcoming Schedule and Outlook
Prior to the NBA All-Star break, Utah is set to play against the Portland Trail Blazers. The focus during this period will be on assessing team potential and keeping key young players healthy as the franchise navigates a season impacted by injuries and roster changes.
“to ensure his long-term health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered.”
— Chris Haynes, NBA Insider
BREAKING: Utah Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. is likely to miss the remainder of the season to undergo surgery on his left knee to ensure his longterm health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered post trade, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/pHeJT8NphE
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 12, 2026
