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The Memphis Grizzlies traded one of their key pieces in a blockbuster trade ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
Jaren Jackson Jr., whom the Grizzlies took fourth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, headlined a trade package with the Utah Jazz that also included John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr., ESPN reported.
The Jazz return Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) shoots a three-pointer in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum on January 28, 2026. (Matthew Smith/Imagn Images)
Utah makes a major change with the move, adding Jackson to a team that includes Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, among others.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are showing their desire to rebuild, as they have first-round picks and also have a good, young core to build around.
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The Grizzlies have 13 first-round picks over the next seven seasons, tied with the Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Memphis also made NBA history, creating with this deal the largest trade exception ever, worth $28.8 million. This is the type of refresh the 19-29 Grizzlies need.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) runs with the ball during an NBA basketball game between Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, January 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
The Jazz have fared worse this season, owning a brutal 15-35 record after losing their sixth straight game on Sunday night.
Jackson was one of the top players in the NBA draft coming out of Michigan State in 2018, and the Grizzlies added the 6-foot-10 forward/center to be versatile for their team long-term.
He did just that, earning two All-Star nominations while averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.9 blocks per game in 452 career games at Memphis.
Jackson is one of the best defenders in the NBA, winning Defensive Player of the Year in the 2022-23 NBA season, while finishing on the All-Defense Second Team last season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Jackson is today’s modern big man, having the ability to shoot from the perimeter as well as near the rim. He averaged 35.9 percent from three-point territory and 47.5 percent from the field this season, while averaging 19.2 points per night.
