It was just announced that a blockbuster trade will move Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Utah Jazz as part of a eight-player deal. Jackson would have been good for the Sacramento Kings, but they would have had to sacrifice their rookie core to get him.
Memphis has been having a tough season, largely thanks to the endless string of injuries they've been dealing with. Despite that, the Grizzlies are still managing to play good basketball, due in no small part to the work of guys like 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr.
The menacing forward has been averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals this season. Jackson can be an absolute beast on either end of the court, and has proven to be reliable asset for the Grizzlies. But they are also in a rebuild and need to make some changes.
Jackson heads to the Jazz
In addition to Jackson, the Grizzlies are also sending John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah. It's quite a change as Jackson and Landale are starters for Memphis. With Ty Jerome finally back from injury and Ja Morant always out, the Grizzlies' starting five is going through it.
The Grizzlies are also getting four players from the Jazz, specifically Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and Walter Clayton Jr. In contrast to what Memphis gave up, they are only getting bench guys in return. In fairness, they are some solid bench guys.
On top of that, there are also draft picks in the mix, two of which will be in 2027 and one that will be in 2031. This sets the Grizzlies up to be able to continue their growth and development over the next five years. What they get for Ja Morant will also impact that, assuming anyone wants him.
This would not have worked for the Kings
Sure, Jaren Jackson Jr. would have been perfect for the Kings' rebuild. His a big power forward who is incredible on defense without disrupting his offensive production or efficiency. When you look at the trade to get him, the price would have been too high for Sacramento.
The Kings could not put a package together that would have netted them a deal like this. They would have had to sacrafice significant young depth just to get Jackson. That likely would have meant giving up some combination of Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Dylan Cardwell, if not all three.
Jackson is a great player, just not if the price is this incredible young rookie core the Kings have. Plus, Sacramento needs to be collecting draft picks, not giving them up. It's good that they stayed out of the mix on this one, and remains focused on moving their veterans to other teams.