Former Jazz guard Walter Clayton was told ‘rookies don’t get traded’
Aug 21, 2026, 2:56 PM
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) talks with guard Walter Clayton Jr. (13) as a Boston Celtics player takes foul shots during an NBA game held at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Hale, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Isaac Hale, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz shocked the NBA world last season when they acquired former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. for a package centered around rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr. and draft picks.
In an interview with Grind City Media in February, Clayton introduced himself to Memphis and spoke about the experience of getting traded in his first year in the league.
After discussing his journey as a dual-sport athlete and his days at Iona and Florida, Clayton got to the NBA draft and the start of his professional career in Utah.
In 45 games with the Jazz, Clayton averaged 6.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 18 minutes.
While getting comfortable at the next level, he said he wasn’t worried as the trade deadline approached, despite hearing how things might get shaken up.
Just a lot of figuring things out. Coming off the bench over there in Utah and just trying to find a role. I was hearing the whole year, ‘Things are going to be different after the (trade) deadline (and) rookies don’t get traded.’ Rookies do get traded, in case anybody was wondering.
Even though his stay in Salt Lake City was short-lived, Clayton had nothing but good things to say about both the place and the team.
He did give the edge to Memphis in the food category, though.
(Utah) was smooth. I’ll say the food is better (in Memphis), but the people up there are nice. They’ve got a great organization, so I definitely enjoyed my time there.
Wishing you the best! Thank you, Walt 💜🐊#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/2V2bYbcFxH
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 4, 2026
In a Grizzlies jersey, Clayton played in 24 games to end the season and upped his stats to 9.7 points and 5.7 assists in 25 minutes a night.
He went on to say he feels the Grizzlies present a better individual opportunity for him, and he doesn’t hold anything against the Jazz for the trade.
I’m not going to say I was hurt. (Jaren Jackson Jr.) is a great player, (at least) I got traded for somebody.
Utah and Memphis faced off twice after the trade deadline last season, but Clayton was inactive for both games.
His chance to play against the Jazz will come early next season, as the two sides face off twice in the first week of the 2026-27 season.
