Dunc'd On Basketball NBA Podcast · Nate Duncan

JJJ Trade

·13 min·1 clip

The Memphis Grizzlies trade Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz for three future first-round picks and multiple players.

This episode analyzes the Memphis Grizzlies trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. Hosts Nate Duncan and Danny Leroux break down the trade's specifics and its implications for both franchises. They focus on Utah's new roster construction and future salary cap situation. The Jazz receive Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. Memphis acquires Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, Kyle Anderson, George Niang, and three future first-round picks. Those picks are a protected 2027 Lakers pick, the best of Utah/Cleveland/Minnesota in 2027, and an unprotected 2031 Phoenix pick. The hosts assume Utah will try to keep its top-eight protected 2024 pick from going to Oklahoma City. Utah's core is now Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Keyonte George. Jackson's four-year extension starting next season at $49 million will use up Utah's cap space. The Jazz still have Walker Kessler's $14 million cap hold to manage. A key insight is that Keyonte George's recent development was a driving force for Utah making this win-now move. The hosts speculate Jackson and Markkanen can play together despite both being natural power forwards, as both have experience at other positions. Coach Will Hardy's offensive system, which uses extensive off-ball screening, could be a fascinating fit for Jackson's improved driving game. The Jazz's biggest remaining need is an established "three-and-D" wing defender to guard opposing perimeter stars. Vince Williams Jr. or Cody Williams are mentioned as potential internal candidates for that role. The hosts project a Utah starting lineup with George, a to-be-acquired wing, Markkanen, Jackson, and Kessler, creating significant size. They believe this roster could produce a top-ten offense and a potentially improved defense, making Utah a playoff team next year. A surprising claim is that this Utah team, if healthy, has a non-zero chance to be a top-four seed in the Western Conference. The trade leaves Utah with limited financial flexibility but options like using the mid-level exception or trading Kelly Olynyk's expiring contract to acquire that final wing piece. The tone is analytical and speculative, typical of this basketball strategy podcast. The style is a conversational deep dive into roster mechanics, salary cap rules, and on-court fit. This episode is ideal for Utah Jazz fans, NBA salary cap enthusiasts, and listeners who enjoy detailed team-building analysis. Listeners seeking pure game highlights or entertainment-focused commentary might find it too technical.

As heard by us

A sharp trade breakdown that treats the cap sheet as part of the deal.

The discussion tracks a trade debrief with a clear eye on what Memphis gives up and what Utah gets back. Jaren Jackson Jr., John Conchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a sharp breakdown of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade and its pick math.

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