Jaren Jackson Jr., the front office talked ‘all the time’ before the Jazz deal
Beale Street basketball will never be the same. From the Grind City era to the one that never was with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., EVP/GM Zach Kleiman is finally calling it quits on the title chase. The The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Utah Jazz in an agreement that should initiate the rest of the NBA Trade Deadline action.
Jackson Jr comments after the beating The Minnesota Timberwolves look ominous right now.
“I mean, you have to be a pro at it. If you’re not, then, I mean, there’s no if you’re not,” Jackson Jr. emphasized. “You have to be a professional every day. Come to work, do what you’re asked to do and be ready to play. At the end of the day, being on the court is the most fun part of it all. So, think about it and let it all play out.”
As for talking to under-fire owner Robert Perr and Kleiman’s front office? Well, Jackson Jr. kept the lines open.
“I talk to them all the time,” Jackson replied. “I probably won’t tell you all that, but that’s the whole point of our conversation with you (the media) so it’s not there.”
Those conversations eventually led to the Rockies. It’s going to be a tough road for Grizzlies EVP/GM Zach Kleiman as they now turn to the Ja Morant market. Trading Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Joc Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, George Niyang and three future first-round picks is a clear signal that the rebuild has begun.
It’s hard to imagine Jaren Jackson Jr. in a Jazz uniform. However, his final words in the Memphis locker room were hard to ignore. It seems the former Defensive Player of the Year was really ready for some fresh air.
2026-02-03 19:27:00
