The Memphis Grizzlies are exploring potential trades involving GG Jackson II and Walter Clayton Jr., according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, marking a possible change in direction for the franchise as it continues to reshape its roster.
“I’m told, however, that the Grizzlies have been exploring potential trade markets for GG Jackson II and Walter Clayton Jr. Which is quite a turn from Memphis’ original stance on Clayton,” Fischer reported on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The development comes after a major offseason overhaul in Memphis, which traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers and added significant draft capital while building a new roster around younger players. The Grizzlies also selected Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Jackson, 21, is entering the fourth year of his four-year, $8.5 million rookie-scale contract. Memphis exercised his $2.4 million team option for the 2026-27 season during the offseason.
The forward has shown scoring potential during his three NBA seasons. He averaged 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 48 games as a rookie in 2023-24, before recording 7.2 points per game in a reduced role the following season.
Jackson rebounded in 2025-26, averaging 12.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 55 appearances. He shot 49.6% from the field, although he converted 33.2% of his three-point attempts.
MORE FOR YOU
Clayton, 23, is in the second year of a four-year, $19.3 million rookie-scale contract, with team options for the third and fourth seasons. His potential availability is notable given Fischer’s indication that Memphis’ previous position on the guard had been different.
The point guard began the 2025-26 season with the Utah Jazz before joining the Grizzlies. Across 69 games with both teams, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 assists in 20.4 minutes per game.
Clayton’s production increased after arriving in Memphis. In 24 appearances for the Grizzlies, he averaged 9.7 points and 5.7 assists in 25 minutes per game, while shooting 36.6% from the field and 30.7% from three-point range.
Memphis’ willingness to discuss both players would fit the broader direction of its rebuild. The franchise finished 25-57 in 2025-26 and has since moved on from Morant while adding Boozer, Karim Lopez and several future draft assets.
The Grizzlies also acquired veteran forward Jerami Grant in the Morant trade and added Isaiah Stewart.
