The 2026 NBA trade deadline just delivered a blockbuster - and it features a former Michigan State standout at the center of it all.
The Memphis Grizzlies are sending Jaren Jackson Jr., along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr., to the Utah Jazz. In return, Memphis receives Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and a significant haul of three first-round draft picks. It’s a move that signals two very different directions for each franchise - and one that could have ripple effects across the league.
Let’s break it down.
Utah Goes Big - Literally and Figuratively
The headliner here is Jaren Jackson Jr., a 26-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the league’s most versatile big men. Known for his elite shot-blocking, switchability on defense, and developing offensive game, Jackson now joins forces with Lauri Markkanen in what could be one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the Western Conference.
Utah has been flirting with playoff contention and now doubles down with a win-now move. Bringing in Jackson gives them a defensive anchor who can also stretch the floor, and pairing him with Markkanen - a true three-level scorer - creates a frontcourt that’s both long and lethal. This tandem has the potential to be a nightmare for opposing offenses and a mismatch problem on the other end.
Also headed to Utah are Konchar, Landale, and Williams Jr. - all solid depth pieces who can contribute in spot minutes or specific matchups. But make no mistake, this deal is all about Jackson and what he can unlock for the Jazz, both defensively and in their frontcourt spacing.
Memphis Hits the Reset Button
For the Grizzlies, this trade is a clear pivot toward the future. Shipping out Jackson - their leading scorer this season - is a bold move, but the return package speaks to a franchise looking to retool around a younger core and build through the draft.
The three first-round picks are the crown jewels of this deal for Memphis. In today’s NBA, draft capital is everything - it offers flexibility, the potential to land future stars, or the ammo to chase another big name down the line. Memphis is betting on its ability to scout and develop, and this trade gives them the tools to do just that.
On the player side, the Grizzlies bring in Walter Clayton Jr., a promising young point guard with upside, and a trio of forwards in Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang. Anderson is a familiar face - a steady veteran who knows the Grizzlies’ system and can help guide younger players through the transition.
Hendricks, a former lottery pick, still has room to grow and could benefit from more opportunity in a rebuilding environment. Niang brings shooting and experience, valuable assets for a team trying to stay competitive while developing talent.
A Spartan’s Journey
For Michigan State fans, seeing Jaren Jackson Jr. on the move is a reminder of just how far he’s come since his one-and-done season in East Lansing. Back in 2017-18, Jackson averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, anchoring the Spartans’ defense as a freshman while sharing the court with future NBA players like Miles Bridges, Cassius Winston, and Xavier Tillman. That team went 30-5 and captured the Big Ten regular-season title, though their tournament run ended earlier than expected with a loss to Syracuse.
Since then, Jackson has grown into one of the NBA’s most impactful two-way bigs. He signed a five-year, $205 million extension with Memphis in July, and while his time with the Grizzlies now comes to a close, his next chapter in Utah could be his most compelling yet.
What This Means for the League
This trade could also have implications beyond Memphis and Utah. With Jackson now in Utah, the Jazz may be less inclined to move Lauri Markkanen - a player who’s drawn interest from teams like the Detroit Pistons. That potential domino not falling could reshape how the rest of the trade deadline unfolds.
At its core, this is a deal that reflects where both teams are in their respective timelines. Utah is pushing forward, aiming to make noise in the West now. Memphis is stepping back, looking to reshape its roster and build toward something sustainable.
And for Jaren Jackson Jr., it’s a fresh start - one that puts him in the spotlight with a team betting big on his talent.