Jaren Jackson Jr. trade: Grizzlies pull off massive deal with Jazz

The Memphis Grizzlies continued to dismantle their once-promising roster with another major move involving the team’s core. But it doesn’t involve the star the NBA thought might be traded this week.

The Utah Jazz have acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. as part of a significant trade in which the Memphis Grizzlies will receive three future first-round draft picks and several players, according to a report from ESPN on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The deal comes two days before the NBA’s trade deadline and represents a significant swerve after weeks of rumors surrounding Ja Morant’s future with the Grizzlies.

The trade, once finalized, would send Jackson, center Jock Landale and forward Vince Williams, Jr. to the Jazz, according to multiple reports. Utah rookie Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round draft picks are going back to the Grizzlies in the transaction.

Jackson joins a rebuilding Utah roster that features Lauri Markannen, promising second-year guard Keyonte George, center Walker Kessler and top-five 2025 NBA draft pick Ace Bailey. Memphis, meanwhile, adds to the haul of first-round draft picks it acquired by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic this past offseason. The Grizzlies indicated last month they were also fielding offers for Morant for the first time.

Jackson, 26, was the longest-tenured member of the franchise after being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. The 2023 NBA defensive player of the year is averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season.

Jaren Jackson Jr. trade details

Here are the official trade details between the Grizzlies and Jazz, including draft picks, according to multiple reports:

• Utah Jazz receive: Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr.
• Memphis Grizzlies receive: Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, 2027 first-round pick (most favorable of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah), 2027 first-round pick (Lakers), and a 2031 first-round pick (Phoenix).

Jaren Jackson Jr. trade reaction

Here’s a sampling of details that have emerged on social media since the reported trade between the Grizzlies and Jazz featuring Jaren Jackson Jr. went public:

Jaren Jackson Jr. contract

Jackson, 26, is under contract through the 2029-30 season after signing a 5-year, $240-million extension this past offseason. He has a cap hit of $35 million this season that then increases to $49 million during the 2026-27 season. There is a player option for the 2029-30 season.