As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at the center of a growing storm. With Ja Morant’s future hanging in the balance, the ripple effects are being felt across the roster-most notably around Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s starting to draw serious interest from contenders around the league.
According to recent reports, teams like the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics have been keeping tabs on Jackson, even as Memphis maintains its stance that the 26-year-old forward remains a core piece of their rebuild. The Grizzlies are reportedly committed to building around Jackson, but that hasn’t stopped rival executives from circling, especially with Morant’s name floating in trade discussions.
And it’s easy to see why Jackson’s stock is rising. He’s not just a former Defensive Player of the Year-he’s a versatile two-way force who’s putting together another strong campaign despite the Grizzlies’ struggles.
Through 38 games, Jackson is averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting a solid 48.2% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. He’s logging over 30 minutes a night, anchoring both ends of the floor for a Memphis squad that’s stumbled to a 17-23 start.
But it’s not just Jackson’s production that has teams intrigued-it’s his contract. He’s locked in for four more seasons at a total of $205 million, with a player option in 2029-30. That kind of long-term control, especially for a player with All-Star upside and All-Defensive pedigree, makes him an attractive target for any team looking to make a serious playoff push or build a sustainable contender.
The Celtics and Pistons are two teams reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Boston, sitting at 25-15, is always in the market for another high-impact defender who can stretch the floor. Detroit, at 29-10, is in a very different phase of its journey, but adding a player like Jackson could accelerate their development and give them a legitimate cornerstone alongside their young core.
Still, Memphis isn’t giving any indication they’re ready to move Jackson. The organization has long viewed him and Morant as the franchise’s cornerstones. But with Morant’s status in flux, league execs are watching closely to see if a major shakeup could prompt the Grizzlies to reconsider their long-term plans.
For now, Jackson remains locked in on the court. The Grizzlies continue their international swing this Sunday, facing the Orlando Magic in London at noon ET on Prime Video. That game comes on the heels of a frustrating 118-111 loss to the same Magic squad in Berlin, where Memphis coughed up a 20-point lead-another tough break in a season full of them.
Meanwhile, the teams monitoring Jackson’s availability are staying busy. Detroit will host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while Boston heads to Atlanta to face the Hawks. The Celtics are also set to visit Detroit next Monday, a matchup that could carry a little more intrigue if trade talks start to heat up.
As we get deeper into January, expect Jaren Jackson Jr.’s name to stay in the mix. The league is watching Memphis closely, and if the Grizzlies decide to pivot-especially with Morant’s future in question-Jackson could quickly become one of the most sought-after players on the market.