The next few weeks leading up to the NBA trade deadline should be intriguing, as teams evaluate their rosters. Teams at the top of the league are searching for that final piece to help them make a deep playoff run. An NBA insider recently named two top Eastern Conference teams that are interested in acquiring an All-Star.
Pistons and Celtics Interested in Jaren Jackson Jr. As NBA Trade Talks Continue
NBA insider Michael Scotto revealed on HoopsHype that the Pistons and Celtics are interested in acquiring Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr.
Scotto said, “Amid Ja Morant trade talks, Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a player the Memphis Grizzlies want to build with, according to an ESPN report. However, that stance hasn’t stopped various teams across the league from registering interest in Jackson Jr., including the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics, league sources told HoopsHype.”
The Grizzlies are one of the most discussed teams at the moment, as they figure out how to proceed with franchise point guard Ja Morant. The idea that contending teams are more interested in trading for Jackson instead of Morant isn’t a surprise, as Jackson has become one of the NBA’s top big men.
The two-time All-Star and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 48.2% from the field and 36.8% from three. He’s also averaging 1.5 blocks per game and remains one of the NBA’s most versatile defenders.
Jackson’s efficiency has slipped a little bit, and he’s had some poor games this season as the Grizzlies fight to make the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. Teams like the Pistons and Celtics are curious if the Grizzlies would shed Jackson Jr.’s five-year $205,000,000 extension that starts next season if they trade Morant and start a rebuild. At 26 years old, Jackson could be a part of the Grizzlies’ future if they make a move.
The Pistons’ acquiring Jackson would bring him back to Michigan, where he played college basketball at Michigan State. The Eastern Conference leaders have one of the NBA’s best defenses, and adding Jackson would make them even stronger on that end.
Offensively, things could become complicated, as the Pistons have potential first-time All-Star Jalen Duren anchoring the paint. While Jackson can play power forward, there could be spacing issues in the half-court when he isn’t shooting well.
The Celtics are right behind the Pistons in the standings, and Jackson would fit there as well. The Celtics are also one of the league’s best defensive teams, but they don’t have the interior presence like the Pistons have in Duren. Neemias Queta is having a career year, taking advantage of extended playing time with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis leaving the Celtics. However, Jackson would be a clear upgrade.
Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman will have some interesting decisions to make over the next few weeks.
