Grizzlies Go All-In on the Future, Sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Jazz in Blockbuster Deal
The Memphis Grizzlies just made one of the boldest moves of the NBA trade season - and it’s not about winning now. It’s about building something sustainable for the long haul.
In a major shakeup, Memphis is sending Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Grizzlies receive Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and - perhaps most importantly - three future first-round picks.
That’s a lot of movement, but let’s break down what it really means for the Grizzlies and why this could be a pivotal moment in their franchise trajectory.
Memphis Eyes the Long Game
This isn’t just a trade - it’s a statement. The Grizzlies are going all-in on a rebuild, and this deal gives them the kind of flexibility and draft capital that can reshape a franchise.
With this move, Memphis now holds 13 first-round picks over the next seven years. That puts them right alongside Brooklyn and Oklahoma City in terms of draft assets - and we’ve seen how those teams have used their war chests to retool and reload.
This is the OKC/San Antonio blueprint: stockpile picks, develop young talent, and wait for the right moment to strike - either in the draft or via trade. It’s a long play, but when done right, it works.
Saying Goodbye to JJJ
Jaren Jackson Jr. is no small piece to move. A former Defensive Player of the Year and a core part of Memphis’ identity over the past few seasons, he’s been one of the league’s most versatile bigs - a rim protector who can stretch the floor.
But as good as JJJ is, he’s not the kind of player you build an entire franchise around. At least not as your primary option.
By moving him now, the Grizzlies open up cap space, create more lineup flexibility, and, most importantly, add key assets for a rebuild that’s clearly already underway. It’s a tough decision, but one that signals Memphis is ready to pivot - and potentially move on from the Ja Morant era as well.
The New Core Is Taking Shape
This deal isn’t just about picks. Memphis is building around a group of young players that includes Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Cam Spencer, and Ty Jerome.
It’s early, but there’s promise there. Edey, in particular, brings a unique presence in the paint, and if the Grizzlies can develop him properly, he could be a major piece moving forward.
With the addition of Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks - two intriguing young players with upside - Memphis is betting on internal development and future flexibility. Hendricks, especially, has shown flashes of being a high-level two-way forward, and Clayton brings a scoring punch that could grow into something more.
Add in the return of Kyle Anderson - a familiar face who knows the Memphis system - and Georges Niang’s shooting, and there’s a veteran presence to help guide the young core through the growing pains.
What’s Next for Memphis?
This trade doesn’t just reset the roster - it resets expectations. Memphis isn’t trying to sneak into the play-in.
They’re trying to build something that lasts. That means patience, smart drafting, and making the right calls with their coaching staff - an area where they’ve struggled in recent years.
Ja Morant is still on the roster, but all signs point to the franchise preparing for life after him. Whether that means a future trade or simply a shift in focus remains to be seen. But the writing’s on the wall: this is a new era for the Grizzlies.
A New Western Conference Rivalry Brewing?
For fans of the San Antonio Spurs, this move should raise eyebrows. The Grizzlies are following a path the Spurs know well - one built on draft capital, player development, and long-term vision. And while the rivalry between these two franchises hasn’t been front and center since the Grit-n-Grind days, it might be rekindled soon.
The Western Conference is already a gauntlet, and Memphis just added more long-term firepower to the mix. If the Grizzlies hit on even a couple of those 13 first-round picks, they could be right back in the thick of things - and that could mean trouble for a Spurs team trying to build its own contender around Victor Wembanyama.
Final Takeaway
Memphis made a tough call in trading Jaren Jackson Jr., but it was the right one for where they are as a franchise. They’re not chasing wins this season - they’re building a foundation. And with 13 first-round picks, a promising young core, and a clear direction, the Grizzlies are setting themselves up to be a serious player in the Western Conference in the years to come.
They’re not there yet. But don’t be surprised if a few years from now, we’re talking about this trade as the moment Memphis turned the corner.