Grizzlies Trade Jay Huff to Pacers for Draft Pick

MEMPHIS: The Memphis Grizzlies announced the trade of Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. In return, Memphis will receive a second-round draft selection.

Huff, 26, made a notable impact during his initial full NBA season with Memphis. After spending three years on two-way agreements, he secured his first standard NBA contract.

Huff’s contributions included averaging 7.0 points across 11.7 minutes per contest. He also showcased accuracy from long range, shooting 40 percent on three-point attempts.

His capability to space the floor and provide rim protection enhances his value to Indiana, particularly after the departure of starting center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks during free agency.

Notably, Huff distinguished himself as one of three seven-footers to achieve a 40 percent three-point shooting percentage on a minimum of 200 attempts in the prior season, sharing this distinction with Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porziņgis.

On the defensive end, Huff demonstrated effectiveness, holding opponents to a low field goal percentage on layups and dunks, placing him 24th among 90 players who defended 300 or more shots. He also averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes and received the G League Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. His contract extended through the 2027–28 season.

In a related transaction, the Grizzlies have signed free-agent center Jock Landale, according to his agent.

Landale is viewed as a good fit for new head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s strategy, emphasizing frequent ball screens. In the previous season, Landale was third in screens set per 100 possessions and attained career-best shooting percentages.

He is anticipated to gain playing time early, given Zach Edey’s recovery from ankle surgery and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s current turf toe injury.