Jaren Jackson Jr. Out For The Season

The team states that the growth was identified in an MRI during a physical after Jackson was acquired in a trade with Memphis last week. The procedure is expected to take place during the All-Star break.

Jackson appeared in three games with Utah, averaging 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 24 minutes per night. The Jazz went 2-1 with him in their lineup.

Utah acquired Jackson to be part of a supersized frontcourt for the future alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. Jackson and Markkanen are both under contract for the next three seasons, with Jackson holding a $53.5MM player option for 2029/30. Kessler is considered likely to be re-signed this summer as he approaches restricted free agency.

Jackson is a two-time All-Star and was selected as Defensive Player of the Year in 2022/23. He has been named to the All-Defensive team three times and has twice led the NBA in blocks during a season.

The Jazz will convey this year’s first-round pick to Oklahoma City if it falls outside the top eight, so there’s no urgency to keep Jackson on the court. Undergoing the operation now should ensure that he’ll be fully healthy in time for training camp in the fall. Utah currently has the sixth-worst record in the league at 18-37.