Boston Celtics
“There is no team I’ve heard with more interest for Jackson.”
Another day, another report linking the Celtics to an intriguing big man.
According to NBA insider Matt Moore, the Celtics “would love” to trade for Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., with Moore noting that “there is no team I’ve heard with more interest for Jackson.”
Jackson stands as the latest potential target linked to a Celtics team that could be on the prowl for more frontcourt help before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5.
It remains to be seen if the Grizzlies would be interested in moving Jackson, who signed a five-year, $240 million max extension in July 2025.
But, Memphis appears to be at a crossroads, with a franchise once viewed as an up-and-coming contender in the Western Conference now staring at a potential rebuild as they entertain trade offers for Ja Morant.
The cost would be high to acquire Jackson, given both his hefty contract and his standing as an impactful big man just entering the prime of his career at 26 years old.
But, the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft would be a major pickup for a reworked Celtics core still anchored by a pair of star talents in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
On a Celtics team in need of reinforcements up front after the offseason departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, Jackson would represent a sizable upgrade.
The two-time All Star is averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game this season and won the Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2022-23 season.
The 6-foot-10 Jackson would shore up Boston’s defense in the paint, even though he isn’t the strongest rebounder for his size. Granted, the return of Tatum later this season should boost Boston’s current rebounding woes.
Still, it remains to be seen what type of package Brad Stevens and Boston’s top brass could offer to both pry Jackson out of Memphis — and accommodate his hefty salary over the next few seasons.
Jackson is one of several frontcourt options have been mentioned as trade targets for Boston over the last few days. The Celtics also are linked to Clippers center Ivica Zubac and Mavericks forward/center Daniel Gafford.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
