The Memphis Grizzlies are rumored to be listening to trade offers for star guard Ja Morant leading up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Portland Trail Blazers should avoid Morant at all costs for a number of reasons, including his questionable fit, off-court issues, massive contract, and extensive injury history. However, this is still a situation that Portland should be closely monitoring, as it could provide them a more realistic pathway to landing a dream trade target: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports recently reported that recent production from Memphis' young core has the team more inclined to prioritize its youth. As a result, rival executives have noted the increased possibility of the Grizzlies moving on from Jackson after a potential Morant trade.
"Given the level of production Memphis has seen from the likes of Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer, the organization desires a pivot to youth, sources say. In speaking with rival executives, there’s a growing thought that Jackson — while a stark contrast to Morant and despite Memphis’ insistence on him being a key part of its future — could be the next domino to fall at some point assuming a Morant trade is realized," Iko writes.
Blazers should hope Jaren Jackson Jr. becomes available after Ja Morant
The Blazers should hope this is the case, as Jackson would be an ideal addition to their up-and-coming roster. Despite entering the league in 2018, Jackson is still just 26 years old. He'd align with the timeline of Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and others. Most importantly, he'd fit well on the court, addressing Portland's weaknesses, bolstering their strengths, and helping to achieve general manager Joe Cronin's roster vision.
Jackson is having a relatively down season, yet is still averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks on 48/36/76 shooting splits. A Donovan Clingan-Jaren Jackson Jr. pairing would result in arguably the best defensive frontcourt in the entire association. And the fact that both have suddenly emerged as reliable floor spacers would give Portland a lot more flexibility in terms of playing alongside each other.
The Blazers could suddenly find themselves shallow in the frontcourt. Robert Williams III and Duop Reath are both on expiring contracts, while rookie Yang Hansen remains a major work in progress. Jackson could be the missing piece they need to start at the power forward spot, then slide over to center to spell Clingan for stretches.
The issue, however, is that Jackson's elite defense and floor spacing make him a unicorn that can seamlessly fit into any team's roster and system. The majority of the league would have varying levels of interest if he becomes available, resulting in a significant bidding war.
Still, Cronin has shown a willingness to package valuable draft capital if he feels like the player is the right fit for their young core, as evidenced by the Deni Avdija deal with the Washington Wizards. Jackson's perfect fit would make him a piece worth going all-in on.
This latest rumor also shows why the Blazers may be better off making more minor moves at the deadline. Trey Murphy III was the only other rising star who we thought perfectly fit the Blazers' roster, but the New Orleans Pelicans are now expected to keep their entire young core intact past the deadline.
Portland can still afford to be patient and shouldn't feel rushed to swing for the fences. They'd be better off holding onto their assets to make a splash when the right player comes along. And hopefully, that's Jackson.