Grizzlies Trade Jaren Jackson Jr. at NBA Deadline

GM Zach Kleiman cites "organizational direction" as reason for deal, says rebuild won't be "drawn out, five-year process"

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The Memphis Grizzlies traded star player Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz as part of an eight-player deal at the NBA trade deadline. Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman said the move was part of the team's pivot to a "younger build" and that the upcoming rebuild won't be a "drawn out, five-year process." Kleiman mentioned several young players he's excited about moving forward, including Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, and Walter Clayton Jr.

Why it matters

The Jaren Jackson Jr. trade marks the end of an era for the Grizzlies, who had hoped to build around Jackson, Ja Morant, and Desmond Bane. With Bane traded last season and now Jackson dealt, the Grizzlies are clearly entering a full rebuild, raising questions about Morant's long-term future with the team.

The details

Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman said the team "felt good about the return" in the Jackson trade and that it gave them "a lot of flexibility" to pivot to a "younger build." Kleiman repeatedly cited "organizational direction" as the reason for the move, indicating the Grizzlies are ready to move on from their recent core group.

  • The Grizzlies traded Jaren Jackson Jr. at the 2026 NBA trade deadline on February 6.

The players

Zach Kleiman

The general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies who oversaw the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade.

Ja Morant

The star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies whose future with the team remains uncertain after the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade.

Desmond Bane

The former Grizzlies player who was traded to the Orlando Magic after last season, marking the end of the team's previous core group.

Zach Edey

A young player Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman mentioned as someone he's excited about moving forward.

Cedric Coward

A young player Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman mentioned as someone he's excited about moving forward.

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What they’re saying

“There was a lot of flexibility that we generated in connection with that trade. We felt good about the return. Felt healthier for the organization to turn the page as much as we were able to at this deadline and be able to build this team with a clear mind as to what we're trying to achieve going forward, which is pivoting to a younger build.”

— Zach Kleiman, Grizzlies General Manager (commercialappeal.com)

“I am grateful for the support of the fans. I'm grateful for the patience of the fans. This is not a — if you're turning the page on an era, there's moments that are less fun on the court, certainly. And there's no one more disappointed than myself that we weren't able to get over the hump and achieve a higher-level outcome with this last iteration of the team.”

— Zach Kleiman, Grizzlies General Manager (commercialappeal.com)

What’s next

The Grizzlies will look to build around their young core of players like Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, and Walter Clayton Jr. as they enter a full rebuild.

The takeaway

The Grizzlies' trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. marks the end of an era in Memphis, as the team pivots to a younger rebuild. While disappointing for fans, the move gives the Grizzlies flexibility and assets to build a new foundation for the future, though the long-term future of star Ja Morant remains uncertain.