Rivals executive line up for Utah defense for Jaren Jackson Jr. tanking maneuver Lauri Markkanen
Utah The Jazz’s trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. surprised many fans for a team with an All-Star margin in the Lauri Markkanenand the third-worst record in the Western Conference. Still, the Jazz are reportedly hoping to get one of the better odds for the number one pick in this year’s draft.
However, as one NBA executive pointed out, the Jazz still played by all their players in Saturday’s 120-117 loss to the Orlando Magic, according to The Stein Line insider Marc Stein.
“They played with all those players against Orlando. They didn’t just sit with everybody,” the NBA executive said. “You can’t tell a team how to use their guys during the game.”
The Jazz have secured their frontcourt for the future in their dynamic duo of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. With both players signed through at least 2028-29, the two-time All-Star and All-Defensive forward gives Markkanen, a 2023 All-Star and 20+ point seven-footer, one of the league’s better defensive power forwards in the NBA.
Jackson Jr., a two-time league leader in blocks, averaged 19.2 points on 47.5 percent shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.5 blocks for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. In his Jazz debut, he finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Markkanen led the way with 27 points, seven rebounds and one block.
The Jazz have the sixth best chance for the number one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Message from Jaren Jackson Jr. jazz fans
Former Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. addressed Jazz fans after his trade before last week’s deadline was official. Jackson Jr. he expressed his excitement in the video he announced on social networks.
“What’s up, jazz fans,” Jackson said. “I’m here. Mind you. I’m excited to be here. I feel great. I’m getting ready to finish some things, but I’ll check in soon. Appreciate it.”
“I’m excited to be here…I’ll check in soon.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. lands in Utah after being traded from the Grizzlies to the Jazz 🎶
(via @utahjazz)pic.twitter.com/B37RiVSFEo
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2026
The Jazz will continue their four-game road trip against the Heat on Monday.
2026-02-09 20:57:00
