Jaren Jackson Jr. trade puts wheels in motion for Jazz

While a hefty price tag in terms of departing draft capital, the Jazz conveniently managed to hold on to their core players, including guard Keyonte George, forward Lauri Markkanen and injured center Walker Kessler, as well as wings Brice Sensabaugh and Ace Bailey and center Kyle Filipowski.

Utah undoubtedly got the best player in the deal, and his future pairing alongside Markannen and Kessler, a 2026 restricted free agent, could be formidable in the West. According to The Athletic's Tony Jones, the Jazz plan for the trio to lead the front court for the long term.

Jackson, 26, signed an extension with the Grizzlies in July 2025, keeping him under contract through 2029-30. Markkanen, who is averaging a career-best 27.4 points per game this season, signed a five-year extension in August 2024.

Kessler, a 2022 first-round pick, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after just five games this season but was excellent defensively in his first three seasons, averaging 2.4 blocks per game.

That's a fascinating foundation in the front court, while George's ascendence has things looking up in the backcourt. He's averaging 24.2 points per game in his third season, up from 16.8 a year ago.

After breaking up the Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert duo, the Jazz are going on a fourth consecutive non-playoff season. Jackson would have made a more immediate difference elsewhere, but he could be just as key to ending Utah's postseason drought.