In their last 10 games, the Grizzlies are 3-7. With a 118-111 loss to the Magic on Thursday, Memphis is 17-23 in 2025-26. That is 10th in the Western Conference.
Memphis’ Ja Morant continues to find his name in NBA headlines. Recently, it was announced that the Grizzlies are listeing to trade offers for Morant ahead of the February 5 deadline. According to NBA insider Mike Scotto, Ja Morant might not be the only Grizzly traded. He noted the Pistons and Celtics have expressed interest in the 26-year-old center.
Would the Grizzlies part ways with Jaren Jackson Jr?
The Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics are showing interest in Jaren Jackson Jr., per @MikeAScotto
“Amid Ja Morant trade talks, Jaren Jackson Jr.remains a player the Memphis Grizzlies want to build with, according to an ESPN report. However, that stance hasn’t stopped various… pic.twitter.com/IW9yPQbas8
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 16, 2026
With the 4th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, the Grizzlies selected Jaren Jackson Jr. from Michigan State. He’s appeared in 445 career games and made 436 starts. Jackson Jr. is a two-time all-star with Memphis and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23. Additionally, he had two first-team and one second-team All-Defensive selections. Over eight seasons, Jaren Jackson Jr. has become a legitimate two-way threat for Memphis.
According to NBA insider Mike Scotto, two teams have shown interest in Jaren Jackson Jr. He mentioned the Pistons and Celtics. However, Scotto said Ja Morant’s status with the Grizzlies will play a huge factor. If he is traded ahead of February 5, Mike Scotto believes more teams would then have an opportunity to trade for Jackson Jr. That’s where Detroit and Boston would try to make a move.
“The Boston Celtics would ‘love’ to trade for Jaren Jackson Jr., per @HPbasketball”
Derrick White
Jaylen Brown
Jayson Tatum
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Neemias Queta— Unfazed Celtics (@UnfazedCeltics) January 13, 2026
While the Celtics have shown interest in Jaren Jackson Jr., a trade might not be realistic. During the 2025 offseason, Boston parted ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. This was for cost-cutting reasons. The Celtics did not want to operate in the second apron in a year where Jayson Tatum might not play. Starting in 2026-27, Jaren Jackson Jr. is set to make $49 million per season. That price range might be out of what Boston can afford.
Mike Scotto said the Pistons have also shown interest in Jaren Jackson Jr. However, the team already has a starting center in Jalen Duren. He is a restricted free agent this offseaosn and is having a career-best offensive year with the Pistons. It’s difficult to see Detroit parting ways with Duren.
Additionally, what would the Pistons have to give up for an established player like Jaren Jackson Jr.? The team already has several young pieces on the roster that they want to build around. For now, trade chatter about Jackson Jr. is pure speculation. He is a franchise cornerstone for Memphis until proven otherwise.
