A seismic trade shakes Memphis. Listen as podcast hosts dissect Jaren Jackson Jr.'s departure, draft implications, and the Grizzlies' uncertain future.
The latest episode of the Grizzlies Roundtable Podcast dives headfirst into the franchise-altering trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, and hosts Grant Afseth and James Piercey don’t hold back.
When the two last recorded, Jackson was still anchoring the Memphis Grizzlies’ frontcourt. Now, the Grizzlies are navigating a rebuild — and Utah is attempting a delicate balancing act: adding a two-time All-Star while still protecting draft position. It’s a rare scenario where both teams appear focused on lottery math, yet one side just added elite defensive talent.
The podcast unpacks the timing of Jackson’s knee procedure — a surgery to remove a localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) growth — and what it means for Utah’s short-term plans. With Jackson sidelined and set for reevaluation in roughly four weeks, the Jazz’s competitive pivot likely waits until next season.
Who Won The Trade?
Piercey argues Memphis extracted maximum value in what was widely viewed as a buyer’s market. The Grizzlies secured three first-round picks, including a particularly intriguing 2031 Suns selection. With long-term uncertainty surrounding Phoenix’s trajectory, owning that future asset could prove pivotal.
Afseth and Piercey also break down Taylor Hendricks’ fit in Memphis. The former lottery forward profiles as a classic three-and-D wing — defensive tools already present, offensive consistency still developing. The Grizzlies, currently positioned outside the Play-In picture, can afford to give him extended runway to grow.
Walter Clayton Jr. also gets detailed analysis. The Florida product hasn’t yet found his rhythm from beyond the arc, but Memphis may be uniquely positioned to give him opportunity amid a backcourt that’s suddenly filled with intriguing but movable pieces.
The Ja Morant Question
No Grizzlies conversation is complete without discussing Ja Morant.
Piercey frames Morant’s remainder of the season as an audition — both for Memphis’ long-term direction and for potential trade partners. If Morant plays well, the Grizzlies risk climbing the standings. If they lean into development around Cedric Coward and other youth, they could improve their draft lottery odds.
That tension — win now versus asset optimization — is central to this episode.
Cedric Coward’s Rising Profile
Afseth highlights Coward’s steady rookie campaign and star-adjacent upside. Comparisons to Paul George have surfaced, and Coward himself has expressed interest in studying Kawhi Leonard’s development arc.
The hosts explore what Coward can realistically add to his game — strength, shot creation in the midrange, and increased pick-and-roll responsibility — and how Memphis’ conservative minutes management approach factors into his growth.
Tank Standings and the Draft Outlook
With Memphis sitting eighth in current lottery positioning, the math gets complicated. The hosts analyze scenarios involving Dallas and Utah, discuss Kyrie Irving’s season-ending update, and debate how much ground Memphis can realistically gain in the standings.
The episode doesn’t just cover headlines — it contextualizes asset strategy, player development timelines, and front-office philosophy. It’s a full rebuild audit.