Memphis traded Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz in exchange for three first-round draft picks, Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Walter Clayton Jr., and Georges Niang. The Grizzlies now hold 13 first-round picks across the next seven seasons, including a most-favorable 2027 pick from Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah, the Los Angeles Lakers' 2027 pick, and Phoenix's 2031 first. Adding Jackson signals a push toward semi-contention for Utah alongside Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen. Utah intends to retain center Walker Kessler despite his season-ending shoulder surgery and upcoming restricted free agency.
"The Grizzlies suddenly have a treasure trove of future firsts. Per Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Grizzlies' tally is 13 first-rounders across the next seven seasons. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports that Utah is sending Memphis its most favorable first-rounder in 2027 between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Jazz; the Los Angeles Lakers' 2027 first-round pick; and the Phoenix Suns' 2031 first."
"Jackson now joins an intriguing Utah core that also includes rising point guard Keyonte George and one-time All-Star sharpshooting forward Lauri Markkanen (who, you'll no doubt recall, was the key lottery pick obtained in our Chicago Bulls' franchise-altering Jimmy Butler deal in 2017). Sources inform The Athletic's Tony Jones that Utah still plans to retain defense-first center Walker Kessler, despite the Jackson addition. Kessler is out for the season following a shoulder surgery, and will hit restricted free agency this summer."
Read at Bleacher Nation
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