The Memphis Grizzlies have made a massive roster move, trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a multi-player deal completed on February 3, 2026, just two days before the NBA trade deadline. NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news on Tuesday via X.
“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,” Charania wrote.
In the eight-player swap, the Jazz acquired Jackson along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr.. Memphis received a return package headlined by Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round draft picks. The draft capital provides Memphis with valuable assets for a potential rebuild.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Performance in 2025-26 Season
Jaren Jackson Jr., 26, is a two-time NBA All-Star and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23. This season, he has been averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game in 45 appearances with Memphis.
The 6-foot-11 forward is one of the league’s premier two-way big men. He has been shooting 47.9 percent from the field, 36.3 percent from beyond the arc, and 78.2 percent from the free-throw line this season.
Jackson is locked into a five-year, $205 million contract that includes a player option for the 2029-30 season, giving the Jazz control over a star player through the remainder of the decade. He has played his entire eight-season career with the Grizzlies since being selected fourth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
How Does This Trade Benefit the Memphis Grizzlies?
The trade shows Memphis’ potential shift toward a rebuild. It comes amid persistent rumors regarding Ja Morant’s future with the franchise. The Grizzlies have struggled to build championship contention around their superstar duo, winning only one playoff series during the Jackson-Morant era. The acquisition of three future first-round picks suggests Memphis is prioritizing asset accumulation for a rebuild.
The incoming players, Clayton, Anderson, Hendricks, and Niang, provide Memphis with youth and veterans who could be flipped for additional assets or serve as anchors of a new competitive core. Kyle Anderson, in particular, brings playmaking versatility, while Taylor Hendricks offers a young frontcourt prospect with potential.
How Does This Trade Benefit the Utah Jazz?
For the Jazz, landing Jaren Jackson Jr. is a major move to bolster their playoff hopes. Utah adds an elite defensive presence and a reliable secondary scorer to complement its existing roster. Jackson’s ability to defend multiple positions while providing efficient scoring off the dribble and from three-point range strengthens Utah’s bench depth and defensive flexibility.
The trade occurs within the frantic 48-hour window before the February 5, 2026, trade deadline. Jackson had been a popular trade target among contending teams, with the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the former DPOY.
