Report: Jazz land Grizzlies' Jackson in blockbuster deal
The Memphis Grizzlies are trading 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 told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Memphis drafted Jackson fourth overall in 2018. The Michigan State product is a two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year. He's averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 boards, 1.5 blocks, and one steal across 45 appearances this season.
Jackson is under contract through at least 2028-29 and holds a player option for the following campaign.
Utah's acquisition of Jackson doesn't affect the team's interest in retaining center Walker Kessler, sources told The Athletic's Tony Jones. Kessler is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
Clayton is the centerpiece of the Grizzlies' return. The Jazz acquired his rights from the Washington Wizards in a deal on draft night. He was the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player and led Florida to the 2025 national championship.
The 22-year-old is averaging 6.8 points and 3.2 assists in 18 minutes across 45 appearances. He could serve as the Grizzlies' long-term solution at the point if the team moves on from Ja Morant.
Utah selected Hendricks with the No. 9 overall pick in 2023. The 6-foot-9 forward hasn't made much of an impact through three NBA seasons, averaging 6.2 points and 3.9 boards over 76 games. He missed most of the 2024-25 campaign with a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle.
The Grizzlies now own 12 first-round picks over the next seven years, which trails only the Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Memphis also created an NBA-record $28.8-million trade exception in the blockbuster deal, adds Marks.