NBA Trade Rumors: 4 Realistic Landing Spots for Jaren Jackson Jr.

So just how much are the Memphis Grizzlies going to lean into this potential “reset”? If they trade Ja Morant, as many feel they might, how much farther behind will Jarren Jackson Jr. be? He may not be too pleased to stick around if the team is going into a rebuild.

With another four years and over $200 million remaining on JJJ's new extension, will it be tricky to find a team willing to take on such a commitment? And as Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report writes, “Equally, the team may want to refocus on rebuilding through the draft without Jackson's recently signed extension on its books.”

To that end, let’s have a look at four of the teams that Pincus lists as the most “realistic” trade fits for JJJ.

Boston Celtics
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Lakers
Toronto Raptors

The Celtics are a surprise top contender in the Eastern Conference in what was supposed to be a bridge year for them, as they await the return of Jayson Tatum next season. But here we are, the Celts are tied for 2nd in the East. Imagine if they plug their big void in the middle with Jackson Jr. to replace the departed Kristaps Porzingis.

The Warriors, for now, have their hands full trying to land the deadline's big prize, Giannis Antetokounmpo. But if they fall short, they very well could turn their attention to Jackson, who provides the interior defensive presence that they could truly use, plus the floor spacing to take some of the pressure off Steph Curry.

Lakers have been urged to target Jaren Jackson Jr.

As for the Lakers, super agent—and super agitator—Rich Paul's recent comments about LA needing to trade Austin Reaves to Memphis to try to land Jackson Jr. ruffled a lot of feathers in Laker Land. But it certainly wouldn't be surprising for the Lakers to have interest in the Grizzlies' big man. They've been missing the elite defense and rim protection that he brings ever since they dealt away Anthony Davis (which, of course, nobody regrets in the least).

Raptors should forget about Anthony Davis and focus on Jackson Jr. as a trade target

The Raptors, as we've been hearing all season, are looking under every rock to try to land a legit center, with starter Jakob Poeltl missing much of the season with back troubles. With names like AD and Domantas Sabonis being linked to them, Jackson Jr. would be a much more sensible target.

Additionally, another big-time center has been linked to the Raptors.