Lauri Markkanen was all smiles during the Utah Jazz’s recent media availability, as he spoke at length about Jaren Jackson Jr’s impending arrival from the Memphis Grizzlies.
In the blockbuster deal, the Utah Jazz also acquired Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. in exchange for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three first-round draft picks.
“It’s a very exciting trade for us. It makes us a better basketball team,” Markkanen told reporters of Jaren Jackson Jr. “Obviously, he is a two-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year, so there’s a lot of exciting things we can do together.”
“Adding another great defender on our team. Then, offensively, he can do pretty much everything too. He can dribble the ball, make plays, and shoot the three-ball. He’s really good at punishing switches. It’s exciting what we can come up with on the offensive and defensive end together,” he added.
Utah Jazz News: Former NBA champion declares Utah as one of the biggest winners of the 2026 trade deadline
Former NBA champion Jeff Teague is among those who loved the Utah Jazz’s acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies, as he believes the move puts them in a better position to compete in the long run, especially if they get another lottery pick this summer.
“The Jazz are one of my favorite teams now. You know who they getting in the draft? Darryn Peterson think about that they about to have Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. I’m rolling with the Jazz,” Teague said on the Club 520 podcast.
At the time of writing, the Utah Jazz have one of the worst records in the league at 16-35, so they’re likely getting another Top 5 pick. ESPN has them taking Houston’s Kingston Flemings with the fifth overall pick in their latest mock draft.
