Jaren Jackson Jr. to Boston: a surprise trade?

A trade that would shake up the title race

The proposed trade scenario would see Boston acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar, while Memphis would receive Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, Hugo González, Jordan Walsh, along with the 2027 and 2031 draft picks, plus a pick swap in 2032.

For the Celtics, Jackson would represent the missing piece of the puzzle. With Jaylen Brown in the MVP race and Jayson Tatum working his way back after his Achilles tendon injury, Boston is looking to strengthen an interior rotation weakened by the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet last summer.

TRADE RUMOR

The Celtics are rumored to be the No. 1 interested suitor for acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., per @HPbasketball

« There is no team I’ve heard with more interest for Jackson. »

There’s « no reason » to believe core players would be traded, but rather cheap, young contracts pic.twitter.com/2aFRHXgyEU

— SleeperCeltics (@SleeperCeltics) January 13, 2026

Jackson would offer exceptional defensive versatility, capable of handling both perimeter switches and rim protection. His 3-point shooting profile would fit perfectly into Joe Mazzulla’s system, while also providing solid finishing near the basket.

Memphis faces a strategic dilemma

On the Grizzlies’ side, the situation is more complex. According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, a former member of Memphis’ front office, « Jackson remains a central piece » of the organization. However, the team’s future prospects raise legitimate questions.

PLAYER PROFILE

Jaren JACKSON JR.

Position(s): Center / Power Forward

Height: 208 cm

Age: 26 years old (09/15/1999)

Nationality:

2025-2026 Stats / NBA

PTS

18.5

#62

REB

5.5

#95

AST

1.9

#202

With a roster composed mainly of experienced players and a few young talents with potential, Memphis struggles to identify a clear path forward. Rookies Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells were both over 22 years old before the season started, while Zach Edey will be 24 before the playoffs end.

This trade would allow the Grizzlies to accumulate valuable draft picks, notably those from 2031 and 2032 which could prove very interesting depending on the Celtics’ future trajectory. González and Walsh would also have the opportunity to get more playing time than in Boston, while Simons and Hauser would bring outside shooting.

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This hypothetical transaction perfectly illustrates the dilemmas both franchises face: Boston seeks to maximize its title window with Brown and Tatum, while Memphis must decide whether to bet on Jackson for the future or prefer a broader rebuild.