The Memphis Grizzlies just executed the first major trade of the 2026 deadline, sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player deal that shakes up both teams’ rosters. Memphis will get back Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Tyler Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, while also sending John Konchar, Joc Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah along with JJJ.
This appears to be the second step in Memphis’ rebuild (the first was trading Desmond Bane), and here’s my initial take on what that means for fantasy basketball.
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What’s new in Utah
For fantasy purposes, I don’t like it — Utah is already managing minutes for guys like Lauri Markkanen, so that could happen to JJJ as well. To be honest, I don’t like this situation in real life either. JJJ’s three choices? ! That’s a lot of mortgage for a big man with no rebounding ability. Things may get better once Walker Kessler returns, though. I guess I’m surprised the Jazz were a buyer with one of the worst records in the league. I doubt the Utah deal is done, so I should probably reserve some disdain for the deal.
Now back to JJJ’s fit with Utah – it’s an interesting fantasy-friendly offense that could maintain his fantasy value during the games he’s active. For a 9-cat, his perimeter and defensive stats are pretty good. However, I expect his shooting volume to drop as he shares the court with Keyonte George and Lowry.
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Judgment: I’ve never promoted JJJ in fantasy, and playing for Jazz Tank isn’t ideal. In the short term, I’ll evaluate how he performs with a new team, but be prepared to sell high if his performance spikes.
Memphis: Who benefits?
Ja Morant is recovering from an elbow injury suffered during the All-Star break, but I doubt he’ll be in Memphis after Thursday. Now that JJJ is gone, the Grizzlies have officially shifted into rebuilding mode.
Santi Aldama is the leading frontcourt player remaining from this trade. I hope Zach Eadie gets back on the field soon because he will be the biggest beneficiary in the long run. I would also keep Ty Jerome in one form or another, even if Clayton is from Utah. Cam Spencer’s value has declined, but he’ll still be in the rotation until Scottie Pippen Jr. is ready to return to the court.
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What about Jusuf Nurkic?
His days are numbered. Considering Nurk’s contract and the Utah Jazz’s decision to acquire Landale, the Jazz will likely try to trade Nurk as he has regained his value after last year’s disaster. I’ll let him play one more game and assess the situation before Thursday’s deadline.
