Amidst all the bad press the Utah Jazz are getting for blatantly throwing away their game against the Orlando Magic, the biggest takeaway is that Jaren Jackson Jr. was exactly what the doctor ordered. Pretty much everything Utah was missing beforehand has now been given to them through Jackson.
There is only one problem with trading for JJJ, and it has nothing to do with him as a player. The only problem is getting him also put Memphis in the tanking race. Although the Grizzlies kept Ja Morant at the trade deadline, they only did that because his value is at an all-time low.
If it had been higher, he would followed in the same footsteps as Jackson and Desmond Bane. Make no mistake, the Grizzlies made these moves because the Morant era has run its course, and they want to start fresh. While the Jazz are blatantly tanking, the Grizzlies' moves suggest they plan to do the same, which means Morant won't play as many games going forward.
This is not just a talented draft class, but a pretty loaded one, meaning Memphis is in line to bring in their next face of the franchise, so it's in their best interest to make their lottery odds as high as possible. That can get in the way of Utah's plans, as they want to do the same, but are also taking the proper precautions to ensure they kHoneseep the pick they could give to Oklahoma City.
Currently, the Jazz are No. 6 in the tanking race with a record of 16-37 while the Grizzlies are No. 8 with a record of 20-31, giving Utah a five game lead with 29 games to go. The Jazz have put the Grizzlies at an arm's length, but who knows if it will stay that way?
Next year, it won't be a problem
That's the biggest upside to this: it's all temporary. Utah's tank will be done and away with for some time when this season ends (pending any unforeseen injuries going forward, which is certainly on the table).
After that, the Grizzlies should be of no concern to the Jazz whatsoever. At least not until Memphis builds their next playoff contender, which probably won't be for another few years. Plus, the Grizzlies handed over one of their cornerstones that should form some excellent Jazz teams.
Honestly, even if the Grizzlies catch up to the Jazz, as long as they retain top-six odds, they'll live with that. After games like last night though, it would be miraculous if Memphis actually pulled that off.