What The Jazz Are Getting
Jackson Jr. is an elite defender who instantly becomes the Jazz’s best rim protector and switch defender. Despite struggling a little bit offensively this year, Jackson is a solid low-post scorer who can stretch the floor. The 26-year-old, along with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, and perhaps Walker Kessler, becomes the face of the franchise in the future.
Kessler is a restricted free agent this summer. However, the Jazz are expected to do everything in their power to keep the 7-2 center, per Tony Jones of The Athletic.
“League Sources: Utah’s move for JJJ will not affect the Jazz’s interest in keeping Walker Kessler long term,” Jones tweeted. “The Jazz are doing this envisioning JJJ/Lauri/Kessler frontcourt.”
Speaking of Markkanen, who has been the subject of numerous trade rumors over the last few years, Jones reported that the 28-year-old is very happy with the trade.
“Have heard from multiple sources that Jazz star Lauri Markkanen is very happy with the Jackson deal,” Jones tweeted.
Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr.
While Landale, Konchar, and Williams Jr. don’t stand out as major players in the trade, all three are valuable role players. Landale is the only member of the trio on an expiring contract.
Landale joins a crowded frontcourt. But, Landale figures to get some minutes with the Jazz the remainder of the year. The 30-year-old is having a career season with 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds in 45 minutes, including 23 starts. He is making 1.1 threes a contest with shooting splits of 51.4/38/67.4. Additionally, he has registered a career-high seven double-doubles.
Landale is a legitimate floor spacer who thrives in pick-and-pop situations. He is a strong screener and solid finisher due to his soft touch. While his lack of elite athleticism hurts him on defense, he is a smart defender and a capable rebounder.
Konchar is a gritty veteran who is versatile and willing to do the little things. Konchar is also a high motor, a good rebounder, and a smart defender. The 29-year-old, who is currently dealing with a neck injury, will have a tough time carving out a niche with the Jazz, at least for the time being. He takes good shots and is an average 3-point shooter.
Williams Jr. had taken advantage of the second most action and put up solid counterable stats with the Grizzlies. But the 6-4 combo guard has struggled to shoot this year, connecting on just 35.2% of his field goal attempts, including 30.8% of his 3-pointers.
Williams figures to take Clayton’s spot as the Jazz’s third guard. Williams immediately becomes one of Utah’s best point-of-attack defenders. Offensively, he thrives as a connector who moves well without the ball. In addition, he is a good rebounder.
