As the NBA trade deadline looms just days away, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at a critical crossroads - and the name drawing attention this time isn’t just Ja Morant. Jaren Jackson Jr., the team's versatile power forward and defensive anchor, is reportedly on the radar of multiple teams around the league. With Memphis open to conversations about Morant, it’s no surprise that rival front offices are also inquiring about Jackson’s availability - and for good reason.
Jackson, now in his eighth season with the Grizzlies, has grown into one of the league’s most impactful two-way big men. He’s averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, but those numbers only scratch the surface of his value. A two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson brings a rare blend of rim protection, switchability, and floor spacing that makes him a highly coveted asset in today’s NBA.
In fact, depending on how teams view Morant’s current situation and long-term fit, Jackson might command an even stronger return on the trade market. He’s still just 24 years old, under contract, and capable of anchoring a defense while contributing offensively without needing the ball in his hands every possession. That kind of profile doesn’t hit the market often.
Despite the swirling rumors, Jackson is keeping his focus where it matters - on the court. Following Memphis’ win over the Timberwolves at FedExForum, he was asked about the trade chatter and gave a response that speaks to his maturity and professionalism.
“You have to be a pro about it,” Jackson said. “You have to be a pro every day, coming into work doing what you're asked and being ready to play. At the end of the day, being out there on the court is the most fun part of all this, so get your mind right for that and let everything play out.”
It’s the kind of grounded perspective you expect from a player who’s been through the ups and downs of a franchise trying to find its next gear. Jackson has been a cornerstone in Memphis since being drafted, and through coaching changes and roster turnover, he’s remained a steady voice in the locker room.
That connection with the organization appears to remain intact. Jackson noted that he’s in regular communication with the team’s decision-makers - though he kept the specifics close to the vest.
“I talk to them all the time,” Jackson said. “I probably won't tell you that. That's probably the whole point of us talking when y'all aren't around.”
Whether the Grizzlies ultimately decide to move Jackson or keep him as a foundational piece moving forward, there’s no question he holds significant value - both on the floor and in the locker room. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Memphis will have to weigh short-term flexibility against long-term vision. And if Jackson’s name continues to circulate, expect the phones to keep ringing.