Memphis Grizzlies Trade Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah Jazz in 8-Player Deal

The blockbuster trade marks the end of an era in Memphis as the team pivots toward a full rebuild.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to a multi-player, multi-pick trade with the Utah Jazz, sending star center Jaren Jackson Jr., along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr., to Utah in exchange for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round draft picks.

Why it matters

The trade signals a major shift for the Grizzlies, who are parting ways with their former No. 4 overall pick and two-time All-Star in Jackson. This move appears to confirm Memphis is pivoting toward a full rebuild, as they now control 12 first-round picks over the next seven years, trailing only Oklahoma City and Brooklyn.

The details

In the deal, the Grizzlies will receive Anderson, who returns to Memphis after previously playing there from 2018 to 2022, as well as young prospects Hendricks and Clayton Jr. Niang, who is currently injured, also heads to the Grizzlies. For the Jazz, the trade brings in a proven star in Jackson, who is signed through the 2029–30 season and immediately strengthens their core that includes Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George.

  • The trade was agreed to on February 4, 2026, ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

The players

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A two-time All-Star and the 2022–23 Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson spent his entire eight-year career with the Grizzlies and was a central figure in the team's rise alongside Ja Morant.

Walter Clayton Jr.

A young prospect selected 18th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Clayton Jr. is one of the players heading to Memphis in the trade.

Taylor Hendricks

The ninth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Hendricks is another young prospect joining the Grizzlies in the deal.

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What’s next

The trade is expected to be finalized ahead of the NBA trade deadline, and the players involved will join their new teams immediately.

The takeaway

This blockbuster trade signals a major shift in the Grizzlies' direction, as they pivot toward a full rebuild by trading away their star player Jaren Jackson Jr. in exchange for a haul of draft picks and young prospects. The move gives the Jazz a proven star in Jackson to pair with their existing core, while the Grizzlies look to the future with their newfound draft capital.