Walter Clayton Jr.’s rookie season is taking a new turn-and fast. The former Florida Gators star is reportedly heading to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a blockbuster eight-player deal that sends All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Sr. to the Utah Jazz. According to reports, the trade also includes a significant package of talent and future assets, with Clayton, Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks all heading to Memphis.
For Clayton, this marks another chapter in what’s already been a whirlwind start to his NBA career. Drafted 18th overall in 2025 by the Washington Wizards, the 6-foot-4 guard was quickly moved to the Jazz, where he’s spent the first half of his rookie campaign trying to find his footing off the bench. In 45 games with Utah, Clayton averaged 6.8 points and 3.2 assists per game, shooting just under 40% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc.
Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they don’t tell the full story either. Clayton’s game is still developing, and his college résumé suggests there’s a lot more to unlock. If Memphis can tap into that potential, this trade could pay off in a big way down the line.
Let’s rewind for a second. Clayton’s final season at Florida was nothing short of legendary.
He didn’t just lead the Gators-he elevated them. In the 2024-25 season, he helped bring home the school’s third national title, and he did it with a flair for the dramatic.
Clayton was the guy who wanted the ball in the biggest moments, and he delivered time and time again during the NCAA Tournament. His back-to-back 30-point performances in the Elite Eight and Final Four-something no college player had done since Larry Bird in 1979-cemented his place in March Madness lore.
In the Elite Eight, Clayton dropped 30 points in a thrilling 84-79 comeback win over Texas Tech. Then, he followed it up with 34 more against Auburn in the Final Four, helping Florida secure a 79-73 victory. Those performances earned him Most Outstanding Player honors for both the West Region and the Final Four, and they were a big reason why he became Florida’s first-ever first-team All-American.
In just two seasons at UF after transferring from Iona, Clayton racked up 1,346 points and knocked down 210 threes. His impact was so significant that The Gainesville Sun recently ranked him as the second-best Gator of the past 25 years-behind only Al Horford, a Florida legend in his own right.
Now, Clayton gets a fresh start in Memphis-a team that’s shown a willingness to invest in young, dynamic talent. While he didn’t carve out a starting role in Utah, the Grizzlies may offer a different kind of opportunity. Whether that’s more minutes, a clearer role, or simply a new environment to grow, Clayton has the tools to take advantage.
He’s a tough, confident guard with a knack for big moments and a proven scoring touch. If he can adjust to the speed of the NBA and improve his shooting efficiency, he could become a valuable piece in a young Memphis core that’s looking to retool around its next generation.
This trade might be centered around Jaren Jackson Sr., but don’t overlook the long-term upside Memphis is getting with Walter Clayton Jr. He’s already made history once-don’t be surprised if he does it again.