The Memphis Grizzlies have made one of the most significant moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline, agreeing to a multi-player, multi-pick deal with the Utah Jazz. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Memphis is sending Jaren Jackson Jr., along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr., to Utah. In return, the Grizzlies will receive Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round draft picks.
The trade marks the end of an era in Memphis. Jackson, the No. 4 pick in the 2018 draft, spent his entire eight-year career with the Grizzlies and was a central figure in the team’s rise alongside Ja Morant. A two-time All-Star and the 2022–23 Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson remains one of the league’s premier two-way big men. This season, the 26-year-old is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Moving Jackson appears to confirm that Memphis is pivoting toward a full rebuild. With this deal, the Grizzlies now control 12 first-round picks over the next seven years, trailing only Oklahoma City and Brooklyn. The incoming picks include Utah’s most favorable 2027 first-rounder, the Lakers’ 2027 pick, and Phoenix’s 2031 selection. Memphis also creates a $28.8 million trade exception — the largest in NBA history — after sending out Jackson’s $23.4 million salary.
The players heading to Memphis include Anderson, who returns for a second stint with the Grizzlies after previously playing there from 2018 to 2022. Hendricks, the ninth overall pick in 2023, and Clayton Jr., selected 18th in 2025, give Memphis two young prospects, while Niang has yet to appear this season due to injury.
For Utah, the move brings a proven star under long-term contract. Jackson is signed through the 2029–30 season and immediately strengthens a core that already includes Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George. Landale, who is having the best season of his career, provides frontcourt depth, while Konchar and Williams add versatility on the wing. Utah, at 15–35, owns one of the league’s worst records and may still make additional moves before the deadline.
Editorial credit: Luca Ponti / Shutterstock.com
