The Memphis Grizzlies just executed the first major trade of the 2026 deadline, shipping Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player deal that shakes up both rosters. Memphis is getting back Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-rounders, while also sending John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah alongside JJJ.
In what appears to be Memphis’ second step to a rebuild (trading Desmond Bane was the first), here’s my initial read on what it means for fantasy hoops.
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The New Situation in Utah
For fantasy purposes, I don’t like it — Utah is already managing minutes for guys like Lauri Markkanen, so it’ll likely happen for JJJ too. And I honestly don’t like it in real life either. Three picks for JJJ?! That’s a lot to mortgage for a big man who doesn’t rebound. Still, it’ll likely look better once Walker Kessler is back. I guess I’m surprised the Jazz were buyers in the midst of having one of the worst records in the league. I doubt Utah is finished trading, so I should probably reserve some of my disdain for the trade.
Back to JJJ’s fit with Utah for now. It’s a fun fantasy-friendly offense that could sustain his fantasy value in the games that he’s active. His peripheral and defensive stats will be fine for 9-cat. However, I’d expect his shot volume to dip when sharing the court with Keyonte George and Markkanen.
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The verdict: I’ve never advocated for JJJ in fantasy and playing for the tanking Jazz isn’t ideal. In the short term, I’d assess how he looks with his new team, but be ready to sell high the moment he has a spike in performance.
Memphis Side: Who Benefits?
Ja Morant is recovering from an elbow injury through the All-Star break, but I doubt he’ll be with Memphis beyond Thursday. Now that JJJ’s gone, the Grizzlies have officially pivoted to rebuild mode.
Santi Aldama is the leading frontcourt player left standing after this deal. I’d hope Zach Edey can find his way back to the court soon, because he’ll be the biggest beneficiary in the long term. I’d also hold Ty Jerome in all formats, even with Clayton coming over from Utah. Cam Spencer’s value lessened, but he’ll still be in the rotation until Scotty Pippen Jr. is ready to make his return to the court.
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Another short-term hold is Isaiah Collier. He no longer has to have minutes taken away from Clayton, and with George nursing an ankle injury, fantasy managers can continue to stream him for now.
What about Jusuf Nurkić?
His days are numbered. Given his contract and Utah’s decision to acquire Landale, the Jazz will likely try to move Nurk now that he’s restored his value after last year’s disaster. I’d hold him for one more game and then evaluate the landscape by Thursday’s deadline.
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