2025 Finalists, the Pacers acquire a Grizzlies center, replaced in Memphis by an Australian star

The Memphis Grizzlies have reshuffled their backcourt by trading center Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers for a 2029 second-round draft pick and a second-round swap in 2031. At the same time, the Tennessee team signed free agent Jock Landale to solidify their frontcourt rotation.

Jay Huff joins Indianapolis after remarkable season

Jay Huff, who will turn 28 next month, earned his first standard NBA contract in his fourth season after making a strong impression in Memphis. The 7-foot center averaged 6.9 points while shooting 40.5% from 3-point range on 3.1 attempts per game in 11.7 minutes last season.

For the Pacers, this acquisition aims to strengthen their frontcourt after the departure of their longtime starting center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks as a free agent. Huff has a similar profile to Turner with his ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and protect the rim.

Last season, Huff was one of only three players 7 feet or taller to shoot 40% from 3-point range with at least 200 attempts, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis. He also ranked 24th in allowed shooting percentage on layups and dunks among 90 players who contested at least 300 shots. A former G-League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, Huff averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes with Memphis and remains under contract through 2027-2028.

Jock Landale brings experience to Memphis

Meanwhile, free agent Jock Landale has reached an agreement with the Grizzlies after being released by Houston. The Australian international, who played with the Rockets the past two seasons (4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12 minutes in 2024-2025), comes to strengthen Memphis’s frontcourt after the Huff trade.

This signing fits perfectly into new coach Tuomas Iisalo’s system, which favors ball screens more than Taylor Jenkins did. According to GeniusIQ, Landale ranked third in ball screens set per 100 possessions among players who set at least 500 screens. The veteran actually set personal records in field goal and 3-point percentage last season.

Landale could see increased playing time early in the season, as Zach Edey underwent ankle surgery in June. Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. is also recovering from turf toe surgery and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.