Grizzlies trade Jaren Jackson Jr. to Jazz, create largest trade exception in NBA history

The Memphis Grizzlies sent shockwaves across the National Basketball Association (NBA) landscape ahead of the trade deadline, pulling off a stunning move that not only reshaped their roster but also rewrote league history. Memphis agreed to trade defensive stalwart Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster deal that created the largest trade exception ever recorded in NBA history.

NBA insider and ESPN reporter Shams Charania first broke the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reporting that the Grizzlies were parting ways with one of their franchise cornerstones in a multi-player, multi-asset transaction.

“The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks,” Charania wrote.

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Trade Details

Utah Jazz receive:

• Jaren Jackson Jr. 
• Jock Landale 
• John Konchar 
• Vince Williams Jr. 

Memphis Grizzlies receive:

• Walter Clayton Jr. 
• Kyle Anderson 
• Taylor Hendricks 
• Georges Niang 
• Three future first-round draft picks 

BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ax6oQpZx0S

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026

While the exchange itself is significant due to the volume of players and draft capital involved, its historical impact lies in the financial flexibility it provides Memphis. As a result of the deal, the Grizzlies generated a $28.8 million trade exception, surpassing the previous NBA record of $28.5 million created by the Boston Celtics in 2020 following Gordon Hayward’s departure to the Charlotte Hornets.

The unprecedented trade exception gives Memphis considerable leverage moving forward, allowing the franchise to absorb a sizable contract in a future deal without sending out matching salary—an invaluable asset as the team charts its next phase.

From Utah’s perspective, the centerpiece of the trade is unquestionably Jackson Jr., one of the league’s premier defensive forces. The former Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game across 45 appearances this season, continuing to anchor one of the NBA’s most formidable defensive profiles.

Selected fourth overall by the Grizzlies in the 2018 NBA Draft, Jackson has built an impressive résumé at just 26 years old. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, a two-time league blocks leader, and captured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023, cementing his reputation as one of the most impactful two-way big men of his generation.

Jackson is under contract through the 2029–30 season, giving the Jazz a long-term cornerstone to build around. He now joins a promising Utah core that includes Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, and Walker Kessler, signaling the franchise’s intent to accelerate its push toward contention.

For Memphis, the trade represents a bold pivot—one that prioritizes future flexibility and draft capital while opening the door for additional roster moves using their historic trade exception. As the deadline approaches, league executives and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the Grizzlies leverage this newfound flexibility and how Jackson’s arrival reshapes Utah’s trajectory in the competitive Western Conference.

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