Jaren Jackson Jr. replaced Jazz in an incredible blockbuster

In a shocking move, roughly 48 hours away from NBA trade deadlinethe Memphis Grizzlies have sold the star of a great man Jaren Jackson Jr. that the Utah Jazz in an agreement that includes a total of eight players and three draft picksleague sources confirmed to ClutchPoints.

The Grizzlies trade Jackson, John Konchar, Joc Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Jazz in exchange for rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr., former first-round pick Taylor Hendricks and veteran forwards Kyle Anderson and George Niyang.

The details of this trade were first time reported would ESPN.

Three first-round picks are also traded from Utah to Memphis. The Jazz are giving up two first-round picks in 2027 and one in 2031. Upon completion of this trade, the Grizzlies will have 13 first-round picks over the next seven years, tied for the most with the Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder.

One of the picks in the 2027 draft will come via the Los Angeles Lakers, while the other will be the most favorable of the selections of Utah, Minnesota and Cleveland. In the draft that goes from the Jazz to the Grizzlies in 2031 is via the Phoenix Suns, the unprotected pick Utah acquired from Phoenix before the trade deadline last season.

Jackson, 26, became a a key topic of conversation in NBA circles in the month leading up to the trade deadline, especially as the Grizzlies took a step back in the Western Conference playoff picture. Amid ongoing talks about All-Star Ja Morant’s immediate future with the franchise, multiple teams have begun calling Memphis about Jackson’s status with the organization.

The Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks were among several teams that reached out to the Grizzlies, along with the Jazz, to inquire about Jackson at the deadline, league sources told ClutchPoints.

In an effort to reduce their long-term costs and continue to stockpile draft picks, the Grizzlies completed a trade with the Jazz on Tuesday afternoon. Now all eyes are on Memphis and their potential decision with Morant before Thursday’s trade deadline.

The Jazz, who rank last in the league in defensive efficiency this season, are immediately improved by the addition of Jackson, a three-time all-defensive frontcourt talent and 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Jackson joins Laura Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Keyonte George and Ace Bailey to form an intriguing core highlighted by their length and edge-protecting abilities. Despite Keser being a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason, the Jazz are willing to keep him on a new long-term deal, sources said.

Utah’s latest addition will earn $50.5 million through the 2026-27 season, and Jackson still has $156 million on his contract through the 2029-30 season. The final year of his contract includes a player option for $53.5 million.

Currently 15-35 this season, the Jazz will once again find themselves in the NBA draft lottery and have the opportunity to expand their long-term potential with another high draft pick.

In 45 games this season, Jackson is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 35.9 percent from 3-point range. Considered one of the best 3-and-D frontcourt talents in the league.