The NBA trade rumor mill never truly sleeps, and this week, it got a jolt from an unexpected source: Rich Paul. LeBron James’ longtime agent casually tossed out a hypothetical trade scenario involving Austin Reaves and Jaren Jackson Jr.-and let’s just say, it didn’t exactly land quietly.
The suggestion? Swapping the Lakers’ rising guard for the Grizzlies’ All-Star big man.
That one sentence was enough to send fans and front offices buzzing. And while Paul later clarified that the idea wasn’t meant to be taken as a serious proposal, the ripple effects were already in motion.
Jaren Jackson Jr. himself recently addressed the rumor, and his reaction was both candid and telling. “There’s just a lot of podcasts,” he said.
“At first, I didn’t think it was real. You have to figure out if it’s real, usually now, and I’m not as versed technology-wise as these people younger than me.
I was figuring out if it’s AI, deepfake, all that stuff.”
That’s where we are in 2026-NBA stars trying to verify whether a trade rumor is real or the work of an AI-generated clip. Jackson’s confusion is understandable. The line between real reporting and viral content has never been blurrier, especially when it comes to high-profile names being thrown into the trade winds.
For context, both Jackson Jr. and Reaves have spent their entire careers with their current teams-Jackson anchoring Memphis’ defense and Reaves becoming a fan favorite in L.A. But with the trade deadline creeping closer, even a hypothetical like this one can stir up real consequences. Reports suggest the Lakers experienced some internal friction in response to Paul’s comments, which speaks to just how sensitive this time of year can be for teams trying to fine-tune their rosters.
Around the league, executives are keeping a close eye on Memphis-not just because of Jackson Jr., but because of the broader uncertainty surrounding the Grizzlies’ future. With Ja Morant sidelined once again due to injury, Jackson has stepped into a larger leadership role, becoming the team’s primary scoring option. He’s averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game this season, showing he can carry more of the offensive load while still being a defensive anchor.
Despite Jackson’s importance, there’s growing chatter that the Grizzlies could be eyeing a longer-term reset. That would mean building around younger talent like Cedric Coward and Zach Edey, and potentially moving on from cornerstone veterans like Morant and Jackson Jr. If Memphis does decide to pivot in that direction, Jackson would instantly become one of the most coveted trade targets in the league.
In fact, teams aren’t waiting around to see what Memphis decides. According to reports, multiple franchises-including the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics-have already registered interest in Jackson.
That’s no surprise. A 6’11” Defensive Player of the Year with offensive upside doesn’t hit the market often, and if he does, there will be a bidding war.
Still, Memphis isn’t ready to pull the plug just yet. According to league insiders, the organization still views Jackson as a core piece to build around-even amid the uncertainty surrounding Morant’s future. That said, interest is building, and if the Grizzlies decide to explore all options, Jackson’s name will be at the top of every contender’s wish list.
So, while Rich Paul’s offhand comment may not have been intended to spark a firestorm, it might have done just that. Whether or not a Reaves-for-Jackson trade ever had legs, the conversation it sparked has brought renewed attention to the Grizzlies’ direction-and to one of the league’s most intriguing young stars.