NBA Execs Reportedly Float Jaren Jackson Jr. as Trade Candidate amid Ja Morant Rumors
Amid rumors and speculation that the Memphis Grizzlies could move on from franchise player Ja Morant in the near future, league sources are reportedly also wondering whether the Grizzlies might consider trading center Jaren Jackson Jr. as well.
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, there is a "clear consensus" that Morant would not draw a ton of interest on the trade market, but the opposite is likely true for Jackson due to his skill set and contract.
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported this week that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings are among the teams "monitoring" Morant's availability after the Grizzlies suspended him one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
Should the Grizzlies trade the two-time All-Star guard on the heels of already trading guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic this past offseason, it is fair to wonder if it would open floodgates for a rebuild.
Jackson, 26, is in the midst of his eighth NBA season, and he has an impressive track record to his credit.
The 6'10" big man was named an All-Star in two of the past three seasons, and he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 when he led the league with 3.0 blocks per game.
Jackson has become a much bigger factor offensively in recent years as well, averaging over 22 points per game in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.
Through nine games this season, Jackson is averaging 17.0 points on a career-best 52.4 percent shooting from the field to go along with 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers made and 1.3 assists.
An Eastern Conference scout told Bontemps that Jackson is "a perfect complementary guy" who can "play just about anywhere."
Another scout said Jackson "fills a rare archetype" since he shoots over 35.0 percent from three-point range for his career and averages nearly two blocks per contest in 416 career games as well.
Jackson is signed through at least the 2028-29 season with a player option of 2029-30 on a deal that holds a reasonable average annual value of $41 million.
A strong argument can be made for Jackson being the Grizzlies' most valuable trade asset, but if they decide to move him, it would likely signal the start of a rebuild.
