Utah Jazz Acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. in Midseason Trade

The Jazz bolster their frontcourt with the addition of the former All-Star center.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:47am

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The Utah Jazz have acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies in a midseason trade. Jackson, a former All-Star center, will provide a significant boost to the Jazz's frontcourt as they push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The team also received Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. in the deal, while sending out several players and draft picks to Memphis.

Why it matters

The Jazz have struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season, and the addition of Jackson should help solidify their rotation and provide more scoring and defensive presence in the paint. Jackson is a versatile big man who can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and create mismatches, which should complement the Jazz's perimeter-oriented offense.

The details

In the trade, the Jazz sent out Keyonte George, Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Grizzlies. The Jazz also received Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. as part of the deal. Jackson, a 26-year-old power forward/center, is averaging 16.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game this season. He will provide a significant upgrade to the Jazz's frontcourt and should help the team improve its defensive rating, which has been a weakness this year.

  • The trade was completed on February 3, 2026, just before the NBA trade deadline.
  • Jackson is expected to make his debut for the Jazz on February 4, 2026, when the team takes on the Indiana Pacers.

The players

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A 26-year-old power forward/center who has been an All-Star and is known for his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor.

Jock Landale

A 30-year-old center who was also acquired in the trade and will provide depth and experience to the Jazz's frontcourt.

John Konchar

A 29-year-old guard who was included in the trade and will add perimeter depth and defensive versatility to the Jazz's roster.

Vince Williams Jr.

A 25-year-old guard who was also part of the trade and will provide additional backcourt depth and scoring punch for the Jazz.

Ryan Smith

The governor of the Utah Jazz and the owner of the team.

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What they’re saying

“Jaren Jackson Jr. is a perfect fit for our team and what we're trying to accomplish. He's a two-way player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, and we're excited to have him join our roster.”

— Justin Zanik, General Manager, Utah Jazz (ESPN)

“This trade gives us more depth and versatility in the frontcourt, which is something we've been lacking this season. Jaren is a proven All-Star who can help us take the next step as a team.”

— Will Hardy, Head Coach, Utah Jazz (The Salt Lake Tribune)

What’s next

The Jazz will look to integrate Jackson into their rotation as quickly as possible, and the team will be closely monitored to see how the addition of the former All-Star impacts their performance on the court. The team's playoff positioning and potential postseason run will be a key storyline to follow in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Utah Jazz have made a bold move to bolster their roster ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring a proven All-Star in Jaren Jackson Jr. to help solidify their frontcourt and push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference. This trade signals the Jazz's commitment to contending this season and could pay dividends if Jackson can stay healthy and provide the defensive presence and scoring punch the team has been lacking.