The Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz just pulled off one of the biggest trades of the season - an eight-player, three-first-round-pick blockbuster that could reshape both franchises for years to come. At the center of it all (literally and figuratively) is Australian big man Jock Landale, who’s headed to Utah as part of the deal.
For the Jazz, this move is more than just about adding pieces - it's a swing for upside. They’re bringing in Jackson to pair with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Walker Kessler, giving Utah a core that blends scoring, size, and youth. It’s a clear signal that the front office believes in this group and is ready to invest in the future, even if the present - with a 15-35 record - has been rough.
As for Landale, the 30-year-old center from Melbourne has quietly put together the best season of his NBA career. After two largely quiet years in Houston, where he played a backup role and averaged under five points per game, Landale has found new life in Memphis.
This season, he’s averaged 23.6 minutes per game and started 25 times - a significant uptick in opportunity and responsibility. His effort and consistency have made him a valuable rotation piece, and now he’ll bring that experience to a Jazz squad looking for both stability and growth.
For Memphis, this trade is a clear pivot. They’re going all-in on a rebuild, stacking up first-round picks and focusing on their young core.
It’s a strategic reset - not a teardown - and it shows the organization is thinking long-term. With a war chest of draft capital now at their disposal, the Grizzlies are positioning themselves to be major players in future offseasons and trade deadlines.
This deal is the kind that doesn’t just impact the standings - it shifts the direction of two franchises. Utah is betting on development and chemistry, while Memphis is playing the long game with an eye on building something sustainable. And in the middle of it all, Jock Landale gets a fresh start - again - this time in Salt Lake City, where he’ll look to keep building on the momentum he’s created this season.