The Memphis Grizzlies have officially hit the reset button - and they did it with a bang.
In a bold move just days before the NBA trade deadline, Memphis shipped out two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster eight-player deal. The trade package, headlined by rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr. and three first-round picks, signals a clear pivot toward the future for a Grizzlies squad that’s been teetering between contention and reconstruction.
Here’s the full breakdown of the trade:
Utah Jazz receive:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- John Konchar
- Jock Landale
- Vince Williams Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies receive:
- Walter Clayton Jr.
- Three first-round picks
- Additional role players
For Utah, this is a clear win-now move. Jackson brings elite shot-blocking, floor-spacing, and defensive versatility to a Jazz team that’s been quietly building a competitive roster in the West. But for Memphis, this is about reshaping the foundation - and they’re doing it with a blend of draft capital and intriguing young pieces.
A New-Look Grizzlies Roster
With Jackson gone and Ja Morant still sidelined - and possibly on the move himself - the Grizzlies’ rotation has taken on a dramatically different look. Injuries have already forced Memphis to get creative this season, and now they’ll be leaning heavily on youth and veteran glue guys to keep things afloat.
Big man Zach Edey remains out with a left ankle injury, leaving the Grizzlies thin in the frontcourt. Expect Santi Aldama to step into a starting role alongside recently acquired Taylor Hendricks, who brings length and defensive upside. The rest of the projected starting five includes Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward, and Ty Jerome - the latter continuing to fill in at point guard with Morant unavailable.
Off the bench, rookie Walter Clayton Jr. will likely take the reins of the second unit. He’s shown flashes of promise and now has a golden opportunity to grow in a system that’s suddenly all about development. Veterans Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Anderson, and Georges Niang round out the supporting cast, offering leadership and stability to a roster that’s clearly in transition.
The Ja Morant Question
While the Jackson trade is the headline today, all eyes are now on Ja Morant. According to league insider Shams Charania, the Grizzlies are actively engaged in trade conversations involving their franchise guard - and those talks are heating up with just two days left before the deadline.
Multiple teams have expressed interest, including the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings. And it’s not just idle chatter.
The Grizzlies are reportedly open to taking on bad contracts if it means securing additional draft picks or long-term assets. That’s a clear sign that Memphis is leaning into a full-scale rebuild - and Morant could be the next domino to fall.
If the Grizzlies do move Morant, it would mark a seismic shift for the franchise. He’s been the face of the team since his arrival, electrifying fans with his explosive play and fearless mentality. But after a turbulent stretch both on and off the court, Memphis appears ready to chart a new course - one centered around youth, flexibility, and long-term upside.
What’s Next?
The Grizzlies are now flush with draft picks and have a young core that includes Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, and Santi Aldama - with more potential moves on the horizon. Whether Ja Morant is part of that future remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Memphis is no longer straddling the line between competing and rebuilding. They’ve made their choice - and they’re going all in on the next era.