2 surprise teams that explored the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade
Doc Jaren Jackson Jr. ended up with the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster trade at the deadline, they weren’t the only team to register interest in the former Memphis Grizzlies All-Star big man. A number of teams have reached out to the Grizzlies inquiring about a potential deal, with a a couple of surprise teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets, according to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel.
Before ultimately moving with the Jazz to trade Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies fielded calls from the Suns, Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks, though it’s unclear how advanced those discussions may have been.
In the case of two teams labeled as surprises, the Hornets have reported interest in Jackson as legitimate. The Hornets are in the midst of a surprising turnaround in the Eastern Conference postseason picture. They have recently won nine games in a row and are starting to climb the Eastern standings.
As for the Suns, Jackson has a college connection with team owner Matt Ishby through Michigan State, but the Suns reportedly didn’t want to end up breaking up their current core. The team is currently 32-22 and sits in seventh place in the Western Conference standings which would be a playoff spot. However, they are only half a game behind the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
U Jackson’s first game with the Jazzhe finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in 25 minutes. He is played only two games so far with the Jazz, averaging 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals on 44.4 percent shooting from the field, 33.3 percent from the 3-point line and 88.9 percent from the free throw line.
2026-02-11 21:11:00
