Jaren Jackson Jr. opens up about trade, first offseason with Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY — Former All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. has entirely bought in after being acquired by the Utah Jazz at last year’s trade deadline.

On Tuesday, Jackson Jr. made an appearance on the Numbers On The Board podcast, where he talked about the trade, his first full offseason in Utah, and more.

Viewer discretion: The following video contains explicit language.

At the end of the day, the NBA is a business. Rarely do players spend their entire careers with one franchise.

Growing up around basketball, Jackson Jr. explained that he had a brief understanding of that side of the league. But when the deal went down, he was still shocked by how fast everything moved.

My dad playing helped. He would give me insight on little stuff growing up if I had questions. I think I understood that it wasn’t personal. You’re an asset. When you get drafted, it’s a little more personal. They’re watching you grow up, and vice versa, you’re growing up there. So it’s a little tethered. Especially once you get traded, you’ve got to make it shake quickly. Like, I played that week. Before I was out of the building, I was getting texts from Will (Hardy), Danny (Ainge), Austin (Ainge), and all of the people over there. It was interesting for sure.

He ended up playing in three games before knee surgery ended his 2025-26 season early.

In those first three games as a member of the Jazz, he posted averages of 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals.

With the season already more than halfway over and rehab on the horizon, the offseason approached quickly. Now in the thick of it, Jackson Jr. broke down how his first offseason in Utah has gone and how he has fit in with the group.

I’m really excited, honestly. I’ve been in Utah a lot this summer with the guys. I think we’re just one-track-minded. One goal. A championship. (We’re) putting it together and building every day. I try to tell them little stuff because I’m a little bit older. A lot of them are younger. Just stay even-keeled, don’t get too high or too low. Don’t get tired of the boring habits. If you win 13 games in a row, you have to keep it together, and then you celebrate when it’s all said and done. You can reflect later. Stay present and stay in the moment.

The 2026-27 season is set to open on Tuesday, October 20.

With training camp and the preseason less than two months away, we will see Trip and the Jazz back in action before you know it.

Jaren Jackson Jr. Reflects On Time With Memphis Grizzlies

One of Utah’s first games after making the blockbuster trade last season was against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Before tip-off, Jackson Jr. took some time to talk about the transaction and his time in Grind City.

“I’m super busy just reordering my life around,” the 26-year-old admitted, “[but] I have nothing but love and respect for my time there.”

The forward helped push Memphis to four playoff appearances in seven full seasons with the organization, earning three All-Defensive selections and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award.

“There’s so much I can say about that, but I think that comes in time, and I’m a guy who likes to have a singular focus, and that’s something I brought to that team and that organization. I always had that one focus, which was winning,” Jackson Jr. added.

Picasso couldn’t work the paint as well as Trip can 🎨🤌 pic.twitter.com/0XrYCWddgq

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 12, 2026

The Grizzlies posted winning records in four of Jackson Jr.’s seven seasons, including a 56-win campaign in 2021–22 that tied the franchise record.

Now, Jackson Jr. aims to bring that level of success to Utah while carrying his Memphis experience with him.

“Coming here, I was going to have that singular focus first, before I reflected on anything,” Jackson Jr. concluded. “I usually put reflection and all that kind of stuff later. But you know, when I get to that, you’ll definitely know about it.”

Jackson Jr. averaged 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks during his tenure with the Grizzlies.

Chandler Holt is a Utah Jazz insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast. Follow Chandler on X for Jazz and NBA updates.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Follow @CHoltSports