Memphis Grizzlies star forward Jaren Jackson Jr was recently sent to the Utah Jazz as part of an eight-player blockbuster trade. Jackson has averaged 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 45 games this season for the Grizzlies.
Following the Grizzlies’ decision to trade their star forward, they will receive three first-round draft picks in compensation from Utah. Additionally, they will also receive Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang from the Jazz.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Deal Sparks Major Grizzlies Trade Rumors
After their decision to trade Jackson Jr, according to recent reports, the Grizzlies may already be in for a replacement. NBA insider Brett Siegel recently revealed that the team has emerged as a potential landing spot for Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl.
“All of a sudden, the Grizzlies have emerged as a potential suitor for Raptors center Jakob Poeltl as Toronto continues to pursue Kings star Domanats Sabonis, league sources told ClutchPoints.” Siegel revealed in his report.
All of a sudden, the Grizzlies have emerged as a potential suitor for Raptors center Jakob Poeltl as Toronto continues to pursue Kings star Domanats Sabonis, league sources told @ClutchPoints.
Memphis just created a TPE from this Jackson trade they can use for Poeltl.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 3, 2026
In July 2025, Poeltl signed a contract extension with the Raptors. As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Poeltl will pick up his $19.5 million player option for the 2026-27 season and add three more years to the deal. The four years beyond ’2025-26 will be worth $104MM in total, which means Poeltl is adding $84.5 million in new money on the three newly added seasons.
However, he has played just seven minutes since Dec. 15, suffering from a back issue that he has been dealing with all year.
According to recent reports, the Raptors center has been cleared for contact ahead of the Trade deadline. However, there has been no exact update on the date for his return from Raptors’ head coach Darko Rajakovic. The Raptors take on the Timberwolves tomorrow.
With concrete interest in Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, recent reports have indicated that Poetl must first be moved on in order to make way for the Lithuanian. Sabonis has averaged 15.4 points per game and 11.2 rebounds this season.
“Unless you see a deal unfold in which Poeltl heads elsewhere to make room for Sabonis, this is an ongoing discussion that will likely resume in the offseason. There’s genuine interest from the Raptors in Sabonis, though.” revealed the Athletic’s Sam Amnick.
Following these reports, the only way that Sabonis will land in Toronto is if the Grizzlies make a move for the 80$ million center. However, should this move come through before the trade deadline, the Raptors will add the perfect option for Rajaković’s offense.
Meanwhile, following the trade of both Desmond Bane and Jrren Jackson this season, the Grizzlies will most likely rebuild for the future with their bounty of draft picks. This includes recent speculation that star player Ja Morant could leave Memphis in the future.
“Ja Morant is someone who has two years left on his contract after this year. The Grizzlies are continuing to field offers and interest in Morant. There is a chance, definitely, that he moves before the deadline.” Charania revealed.
Morant is currently under a five-year, $197 million contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season. However, it has emerged that he is reluctant to sign a new deal, making him another Grizzlies star to watch before the trade deadline or into the offseason.
