Feb 04, 2026
3 min read
The Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz agreed on an eight-player trade that sent the former Defensive Player of the Year to Salt Lake City.
5 winners, 2 losers from the Grizzlies' blockbuster Jaren Jackson Jr. trade
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The Short of Grizzlis neglected the kove of Jackson Jackson Jackson Jackson to Utah Jazz.
In a blockbuster eight-player deal, the Grizzlies sent Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams to replace rookie point guard Walter Clayton Jr., veteran Kyle Anderson, former lottery pick Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks.
Here are the winners and losers in the deal breaker.
Winner: Tomas Isalo
Tuomas Iisalo was in the hot seat in his first season as manager at the beginning of the year, but with the team's poor performance, it seems that the board is singling out the players as the difference that needs to be changed in the coaching staff.This is a sign that Isalo will remain in his current position, and will now have the opportunity to develop the youth to grow as a group.
Winner: Zach Edey
A move like this means there is a new hierarchy in the organization.It's clear the Grizzlies love Edey and what he can bring to the table, and that opens the door to a potentially long-term contract for him when his rookie deal expires in two years.It would be hard to keep Edey on the books at Jackson's salary.But now that he's no longer with the team, the door opens for Edey to fill that role for the Grizzlies.take it
Winner: Walter Clayton Jr.
Clayton has always been an odd fit for the Jazz, considering the team selected Kevin George and Isaiah Collier in back-to-back drafts.Now that he's leaving the Jazz, Clayton Jr. will have more opportunities to contribute to a rebuilding Grizzlies team.
Singer: Jazz
This deal looks questionable for the Jazz, they get the best player in the deal, which automatically gives them points on the ranking rubric.
This is a huge gamble for the Jazz as they trade three future first round picks.While they themselves are currently slated for the lottery.But they have plenty of looks and it's time to start investing in them.Adding Jackson to the mix will give the Jazz direction and someone who can work around players like rookie Ace Bailey, the aforementioned George and Lauri Markkinen.
Gayan: Memphis Grizzlies
While this is a sad day for the Grizzlies franchise, it was the move that needed to be made.The Grizzlies have Jackson coming back strong and that allows them to fully embrace the rebuilding situation.
The Grizzlies don't even have Ja Morant on the roster, presumably looking for a deal.So, this is the beginning of the Grizzlies' future.
Talo: Jaren Jackson Jr.
The real big loser in this deal is Jackson.After spending the first eight years of his career in Memphis, he made an unexpected move away from home.While the Grizzlies value his contributions to the team, being traded to another lottery team is certainly not the way to showcase that.Jackson's situation doesn't get any better from a rival perspective, but this trade shows how much the Grizzlies want him and the Grizzlies almost had to make this deal.
Loser: Yes Morant
Morant is also a great contract loser as he loses his longtime teammate Jackson Jr.
Morant said last month that he wanted to remain with the Grizzlies despite ongoing trade rumors, but this trade could change the future for Morant and the club's future.
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Jeremy Brenner is an editor, writer and social media manager for several sites.He also appears as a writer and podcaster for 247 Sports and SB Nation.Brenner grew up in Houston, played for the Astros, Rockets and Texans and lives in Central Florida.He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in sports business management.Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
