Two lottery teams are taking different approaches to their future.
The Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Grizzlies plus three other players for three future first-round picks plus four players, according to ESPN.
The move gives Memphis 13 first-round picks in the first round over the next seven years, per ESPN, and the Jazz are lining up for a return to contention.
While some may have thought the Grizzlies would send Jackson to a contender, he instead is headed to a 15-35 Jazz team that is eight games out of a Play-In Tournament berth.
This trade also gives the Grizzlies an NBA record $28.8 million trade exception, per ESPN.
The Jazz are also acquiring John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. in this trade, while Memphis is receiving Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks and Georges Niang.
These two teams seemingly are taking different approaches to their lost season, with Utah preparing to make a run in 2026 at its first playoff berth since the 2021-22 season.
A core of Jackson, Lauri Markkanen, 2025 first-round pick Ace Bailey and 2023 first-rounder Keyonte George certainly has upside and provides a strong frontcourt.
Jackson could potentially replace pending free agent Walker Kessler, who will miss the rest of the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, or the two could form a stout trio with Markkanen next season.
The 2018 first-round pick is in his eighth season is averaging 19.2 points across 45 games, along with 5.8 rebounds, and has averaged 18.5 points during his careers.
For the Grizzlies, they seemingly are fully embracing their rebuild and it raises the question of when Ja Morant could be shipped out of town.
Memphis traded Desmond Bane to the Magic this offseason for first-round picks, plus a pick swap, and the team’s 19-29 mark indicated that a full-blown rebuild could be on the way.
This trade confirms that a rebuild is the plan and provides three more first-rounders, while Morant could potentially add a few more or potential young, exciting players to help build for the future.