Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the best defenders in the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies star is currently averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks per contest while shooting 47.5% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range in 45 games. On Tuesday, Jackson was traded to the Utah Jazz in a massive blockbuster deal.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Joins Jazz in Blockbuster Trade
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news that Jackson was traded to Utah as part of an eight-player deal.
Via Charania: “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.”
The Jazz make a major swing for Jackson and team him with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Walker Kessler and more. The move signals a full rebuild for the Grizzlies around its promising young core and now as many future first-round picks as any team in the NBA. https://t.co/rraRjT2Goz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Here’s what people the NBA are saying about the deal:
NBA analyst Keith Smith: “I now project the Utah Jazz to be an over-the-cap team this offseason after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. The Memphis Grizzlies project to stay over the cap, but plenty of room to use the full NTMLE this offseason.”
I now project the Utah Jazz to be an over-the-cap team this offseason after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies project to stay over the cap, but plenty of room to use the full NTMLE this offseason.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 3, 2026
NBA insider Jake Fischer: “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.”
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
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor: “Intriguing deal for the Jazz. You have JJJ, who rebounds like a little guard. And you have Lauri. You still need a true 5 next to those guys, whether Kessler returns next season or someone else. Lauri played SF successfully in the past in Cleveland, and JJJ can certainly defend any position. So maybe we’re about to see Utah build a Long Ball roster. Size across positions with Ace Bailey in there too, and Keyonte George at guard. More to come for Utah, whether this week or this summer.”
@chipwilliamsjr: “jaren jackson jr is one of my favorite memphis grizzlies ever. he was one of my favorite draft prospects i’ve ever scouted, and i feel incredibly lucky to have watched him play his first 7.5 season for my hometown team”
@realapp: “HOW MANY FIRST ROUND PICKS????”
HOW MANY FIRST ROUND PICKS???? pic.twitter.com/S8zEOhYeGo
— Real App (@realapp) February 3, 2026
Jackson was the fourth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Michigan State.
He has career averages of 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.9 blocks per contest while shooting 46.7% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range in 452 games.
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The Jazz are currently the 13th seed in the Western Conference with a 15-35 record in 50 games.
They are in the middle of a six-game losing streak (and 1-9 over their last 10 games).
