The NBA trade deadline is heating up, and Tuesday brought one of the more surprising shakeups yet - and no, it didn’t involve Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the league continues to keep an eye on Milwaukee’s next move, other teams are getting aggressive, making deals that reshape their rosters regardless of what the Bucks decide to do with their superstar.
One of the biggest moves of the day? The Utah Jazz pulled off a significant trade to bring in former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies.
And he’s not coming alone. Joining him in Salt Lake City is Australian big man Jock Landale - a name Suns fans will remember well - along with John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr.
In return, the Grizzlies receive Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks. That’s a sizable haul for Memphis, signaling a potential shift in direction as they look to retool around Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
Let’s start with Jackson Jr. - this is a major pickup for Utah. The 24-year-old brings elite rim protection, switchability, and a developing offensive game that fits nicely with the Jazz’s young core.
While his name hadn’t been heavily floated in trade rumors, this move gives Utah a legitimate defensive anchor to pair with their emerging talent. It also offers Jackson Jr. a fresh start after a tumultuous stretch in Memphis, where injuries and roster instability made it tough to find consistency.
As for Landale, his journey continues in a new jersey. He’s bounced around a bit since his stint with the Phoenix Suns, but fans in The Valley haven’t forgotten what he brought to the table. During the Suns’ playoff run, Landale earned respect by outworking Deandre Ayton in key minutes - not an easy feat - and showed he could be a reliable, high-energy contributor in the frontcourt.
Since then, the 30-year-old big man has carved out a role as a dependable rotational piece. In Memphis, he appeared in 45 games this season, starting 25 of them.
That came during a stretch when the Grizzlies were navigating the absence of Ja Morant and dealing with a rash of injuries. Landale stepped in and did what he does best: play hard, set screens, rebound, and provide steady minutes at the five.
Now in Utah, he’ll serve as a valuable insurance policy with Walker Kessler sidelined. Landale’s ability to start when needed or come off the bench makes him a smart addition to a Jazz team that’s trying to stay competitive while developing young pieces like Khaman Maluach. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of veteran presence that can stabilize a second unit or fill in as a spot starter without disrupting the flow.
Landale is on a minimum contract and set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. That makes him a low-risk, high-character addition for the Jazz - and potentially a name to watch in the offseason, especially for teams looking to add frontcourt depth without breaking the bank.
For now, though, it’s a fresh opportunity for a player who’s earned his keep in the league through grit and professionalism. Utah gets an experienced big who can help right away, and Landale gets a chance to contribute to a team that’s quietly building something intriguing in the West.
As for Memphis, this trade signals more than just a roster shakeup. Bringing back familiar face Kyle Anderson and adding a promising young forward in Taylor Hendricks - plus three future first-rounders - gives the Grizzlies flexibility moving forward. It’s a clear sign they’re thinking long-term, even as they try to stay competitive in the present.
This deal might not have the blockbuster shine of a superstar swap, but it’s one of those trades that could quietly shape the trajectory of both franchises. And with the deadline still looming, it might just be the beginning.