The prospect of power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. being traded by the Memphis Grizzlies has surfaced with the Feb. 5 deadline inching closer.
With the Grizzlies listening to trade offers for point guard Ja Morant, NBA teams are rumored to be checking on Jackson’s availability. Jackson could command a stronger return than Morant if he is traded by the Grizzlies.
Jackson, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Grizzlies, discussed his approach to the trade deadline after the Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum.
“You have to be a pro about it,” Jackson said on Feb. 2. “You have to be a pro every day, coming into work doing what you’re asked and being ready to play. At the end of the day, being out there on the court is the most fun part of all this, so get your mind right for that and let everything play out.”
Jackson is averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season. He’s earned two NBA All-Star appearances and a Defensive Player of the Year award while averaging 18.5 points and 5.6 rebounds throughout his career.
The organization and Jackson have maintained strong contact in recent years after major decisions, including when the team fired coach Taylor Jenkins last season. That hasn’t changed through this process, according to Jackson.
“I talk to them all the time,” Jackson said. “I probably won’t tell you that. That’s probably the whole point of us talking when y’all aren’t around.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
