Memphis and Utah rewrote their timelines with one sweeping move just days before the trade deadline.
The Grizzlies agreed to send cornerstone forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz in a massive eight-player deal, signaling a clear shift toward a long-term rebuild in Memphis. In return, the Grizzlies haul back a mix of young talent, veteran depth and future flexibility: Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three first-round draft picks.
Utah didn’t stop at Jackson. The Jazz also picked up John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr., adding rotation pieces alongside the former Defensive Player of the Year as they reshape their roster.
For Utah, the move brings in a proven two-time All-Star still in his prime. Jackson, 26, is under contract for three more seasons on a five-year, $205 million deal that includes a player option for 2029-30. He arrives to a Jazz team deep in transition but rich in intriguing pieces, including Keyonte George and rookie Ace Bailey, with the possibility that Jackson could eventually pair with Lauri Markkanen if Utah elects to keep its leading scorer past the deadline.
Jackson leaves Memphis averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks this season, production that helped keep the Grizzlies within striking distance of the Western Conference play-in picture despite a disappointing record. His departure, though, makes the organization’s direction unmistakable.
By moving Jackson, Memphis not only stockpiles assets — now holding an NBA-high 13 future first-round picks — but also creates a $28.8 million trade exception, the largest ever recorded under league rules. It’s the type of financial and draft capital flexibility that signals patience over urgency.
For Utah, the gamble is about building upward around a defensive anchor with championship pedigree. For Memphis, it’s about starting over with a war chest few teams can match. One trade, two franchises — and two very different paths forward.
