Walter Clayton Jr. Heads to Memphis Grizzlies

Key Points

• Former Florida Gators All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. is being traded from the Utah Jazz to the Memphis Grizzlies in an eight-player blockbuster deal.
• The trade centres around Grizzlies All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Sr., who is heading to the Jazz.
• Players moving to Memphis: Walter Clayton Jr., swingman Kyle Anderson, forward Taylor Hendricks, forward Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks.
• Players moving to Utah: Jaren Jackson Sr., guard John Konchar, centre Jock Landale, and guard Vince Williams Jr.
• The deal was first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.com.
• Clayton, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound rookie, was drafted 18th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2025 NBA Draft before being acquired by the Jazz.
• In his rookie season with Utah, Clayton played 45 games off the bench, averaging 6.8 points, 3.2 assists, 39.8% field goal shooting, and 30.2% from three-point range.
• At Florida in 2024-25, Clayton led the Gators to their third national title, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player and West Region Most Outstanding Player honours.
• He posted back-to-back 30-point games in the Elite Eight (30 points vs. Texas Tech) and Final Four (34 points vs. Auburn), the first since Larry Bird in 1979.
• Clayton scored 1,346 points and 210 three-pointers in two seasons at Florida after transferring from Iona; named school’s first first-team All-American in March 2025.
• The Gainesville Sun recently ranked him as the second-best UF basketball player over the last 25 years, behind Al Horford.

Manchester (Manchester Mirror) February 03, 2026 – Former Florida Gators All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. is set to be traded from the Utah Jazz to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of an eight-player deal centred on Grizzlies All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Sr., according to a report from ESPN.com’s Shams Charania. The 6-foot-4 rookie, who struggled to secure a starting role in Utah, heads to Memphis alongside swingman Kyle Anderson, forward Taylor Hendricks, forward Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks, in exchange for Jackson, guard John Konchar, centre Jock Landale, and guard Vince Williams Jr.. This move marks a significant shift for Clayton just months into his NBA career, following his stellar college tenure at Florida.​

Who Is Walter Clayton Jr. and What Is His NBA Journey So Far?

Walter Clayton Jr., a 6-foot-4, 195-pound guard, was selected in the first round, 18th overall, by the Washington Wizards in the 2025 NBA Draft before being acquired by the Utah Jazz. During his rookie season with the Jazz, Clayton appeared in 45 games, all off the bench, where he averaged 6.8 points and 3.2 assists per game. His shooting splits stood at 39.8% from the floor and 30.2% from beyond the three-point arc, indicating he was unable to establish himself as a starter.​

As reported by journalists covering the Gainesville Sun, Clayton’s NBA transition has been challenging despite his college pedigree. The trade to Memphis offers a fresh opportunity in a Grizzlies squad known for its competitive edge.

Why Is This Trade Happening for the Utah Jazz?

The Jazz are acquiring All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Sr., alongside guard John Konchar, centre Jock Landale, and guard Vince Williams Jr., in a bid to bolster their frontcourt and immediate contention prospects. As per Shams Charania of ESPN.com, this eight-player swap sends three future first-round picks to Memphis, signalling Utah’s willingness to part with draft capital for proven talent. Jackson, a defensive standout, represents a cornerstone for the Jazz’s rebuild-turned-retool strategy.

Utah’s decision to include Clayton, along with veterans Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang, suggests a roster reshape prioritising size and defence over young guard potential. Reports from USA Today Sports Data indicate the Jazz view Jackson as a franchise pillar.​

What Does Memphis Gain from Acquiring Walter Clayton Jr.?

The Grizzlies receive Clayton, Anderson, Hendricks, Niang, and three future first-round picks, providing depth, shooting, and long-term assets. Memphis, parting with Jackson, aims to retool around youth and versatility, with Clayton’s scoring prowess from college fitting their fast-paced style.

As detailed in the initial ESPN report by Shams Charania, this influx of picks could fuel Memphis’s future drafts, while Clayton’s addition addresses backcourt needs post-trade.

How Did Walter Clayton Jr. Excel at Florida Gators?

At the University of Florida in the 2024-25 season, Clayton helped lead the Gators to their third national title in school history. He delivered clutch performances in the NCAA Tournament, including 30 points in an 84-79 come-from-behind Elite Eight win over Texas Tech and 34 points in a 79-73 Final Four victory against Auburn. These back-to-back 30-point games made him the first college player to achieve that feat since Larry Bird in 1979, earning him Final Four Most Outstanding Player and West Region Most Outstanding Player honours.​

Over two seasons at UF after transferring from Iona, Clayton amassed 1,346 points and 210 three-pointers. In March 2025, he became Florida’s first first-team All-American in history, as noted in Gainesville Sun coverage.

What Legacy Does Clayton Leave at Florida Basketball?

The Gainesville Sun recently ranked Clayton as the second-best Florida basketball player over the last 25 years, behind only forward/centre Al Horford. His senior year heroics, including national title contributions, cemented his status as a Gators legend. Coverage from Gainesville.com highlighted his role in top-25 wins and coach Todd Golden’s promises fulfilled against Alabama.​

Florida’s recent successes, like clobbering Alabama and Dick Vitale’s emotional O’Dome return, underscore the programme’s strength during Clayton’s era, though unrelated directly to the trade.

Who Are the Other Players Involved in the Deal?

• To Grizzlies: Kyle Anderson (swingman), Taylor Hendricks (forward), Georges Niang (forward), Walter Clayton Jr. (guard), three future first-round picks.
• To Jazz: Jaren Jackson Sr. (All-Star forward), John Konchar (guard), Jock Landale (centre), Vince Williams Jr. (guard).

As reported comprehensively by Shams Charania of ESPN.com, this multi-asset exchange reshapes both rosters significantly.​

When and How Was the Trade First Reported?

Shams Charania of ESPN.com broke the news, detailing the full scope of the eight-player deal. Additional context from USA Today Sports Data links confirmed team pages for Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. No other media outlets in the provided sources contradict or add conflicting details, maintaining focus on Charania’s report.​

What Challenges Did Clayton Face in Utah?

Despite his draft pedigree, Clayton’s rookie stats reflected adjustment struggles: modest scoring, assists, and shooting efficiency off the bench. The Jazz’s depth chart limited his minutes, prompting this trade as per ESPN’s reporting.

Could This Trade Impact Florida Gators’ NBA Pipeline?

Clayton’s move highlights Florida’s recent NBA success, with his All-American status boosting UF’s profile. While unrelated to current Gators news like C. Rueben Chinyelu’s honours or football under Jon Sumrall, it reinforces the programme’s talent production.​

This deal, unfolding in February 2026, positions Clayton for a potential Grizzlies resurgence, drawing on his proven clutch ability.