Jaren Jackson Jr.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during warm up for a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on November 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Gone are the days of the “Woj bomb” (shoutout to the great Adrian Wojnarowski), but the NBA community got a massive trade update courtesy of ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania. On Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies traded two-time All-Star forward and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz for a package that includes three future first-round picks, per Charania.
The move is a stunning development. While the Grizzlies have been somewhat openly shopping their other star player, PG Ja Morant, for some time now, Jackson was the subject of little to no trade buzz ahead of this deal being announced. The former No. 4 overall pick out of Michigan State in 2018, Jackson is entering his prime at just 26 years old and should be a key part of the Jazz’s future success.
In 45 games for the Grizzlies this season, Jackson is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, one steal, and 1.5 blocks per game. He was the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in the 2022-2023 season and made the All-Defensive Team on two other occasions. He’s currently in the second year of a five-year, $205 million contract that includes a player option in 2029-2030.
Details on the Trade that Sent Jaren Jackson Jr. From the Memphis Grizzlies to the Utah Jazz
Jaren Jackson Jr.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum on December 26, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Per Charania, the Grizzlies are sending Jackson along with G Vince Williams Jr., G John Konchar, and C Jock Landale for F Kyle Anderson, G Walter Clayton Jr., F Georges Niang, and F Taylor Hendricks, as well as three future first-round picks. The three first-round picks are the best of the Jazz, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers’ picks in 2027, the Lakers‘ pick in 2027, and the Suns’ pick in 2031.
While the Grizzlies are in the process of undergoing a rebuild, one that began before the season when they sent G Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for a haul that include four first-round picks, Jackson was once considered the untouchable piece of Memphis’ core. He’s a young, versatile offensive player and one of the best defensive weapons in the league.
The Memphis Grizzlies Face Additional Questions on Ja Morant’s Future Following the Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade
Now that the Grizzlies pulled the trigger on trading Jackson to accelerate their descent into a rebuild, questions will once again surface surrounding Morant. Once the subject of intense trade speculation, rumors have been quiet on his front since he sprained his elbow, an injury that will sideline him past Thursday’s trade deadline.
However, Charania reports that the Grizzlies are still actively shopping Morant to “prioritize their young core.” Given his recent injury history and off-court issues in Memphis, trading him won’t net the Grizzlies the same haul they got for Jackson or Bane. But questions will persist, nonetheless.