Jazz acquire forward Jaren Jackson Jr. from Grizzlies

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Feb 3, 2026

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With Thursday afternoon’s NBA trade deadline growing closer, teams are officially open for business.

The Utah Jazz pulled off the first major acquisition of the week, agreeing Tuesday to acquire forward Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies for a haul that includes three first-round picks, according to ESPN.

In addition to those future picks, the Grizzlies are adding rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr. and veteran forwards Kyle Anderson, Georges Niang and Taylor Hendricks.

To help round out the deal, center Jock Landale and guards Vince Williams Jr. and John Konchar are headed back to Utah.

The Jazz entered Tuesday with a 15-35 record, but they have eyes toward the future with the addition of Jackson, a two-time All-Star and the NBA’s 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year.

Jackson, 26, is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game this season.

Utah can envision Jackson being another scoring option in an offense headlined by Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, as well as another defensive enforcer in a frontcourt already featuring injured 7-2 center Walker Kessler.

Memphis (19-29), meanwhile, moves further into a rebuild, having already traded guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic last offseason for a return that included four first-round picks.

The Grizzlies now hold 12 first-round picks in the next seven years.

Memphis star Ja Morant is the subject of widespread trade rumors and could be the next to go, but the hyper-athletic guard’s market is complicated considering his down season, current elbow sprain and history of off-court issues.

The Grizzlies won at least 48 games in three of the last four seasons — including 56 in 2021-22 — but did not advance beyond the second round with the core that is now being broken up.

Clayton, who led Florida to an NCAA championship last year, becomes an interesting piece for Memphis. The 22-year-old guard was the No. 18 overall pick in last year’s draft and averaged 6.8 points per game, all off the bench, over 45 appearances for Utah.