Grizzlies trade Jay Huff to the Pacers
The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to trade center Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap, according to sources.
Huff, who will turn 27 in August, secured his first standard NBA contract in his fourth season in the league after making a strong initial impression in Memphis. The power forward averaged just under seven points, with 40% three-point shooting on 3.1 attempts in 11.7 minutes with the Grizzlies last season.
The Pacers are looking to reinforce their interior game after the departure of starting center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. Huff has a similar skillset to Turner, with his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter and protect the rim.
Last season, Huff was one of three 7-foot players to shoot 40% from three on at least 200 attempts, along with Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis. He also ranked 24th in field goal percentage allowed at the rim last season among 90 players who contested at least 300 shots, according to data.
Huff averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes with Memphis and was named G League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He is under contract through the 2027-28 season.
In a related move, free agent center Jock Landale has reached an agreement with the Grizzlies, according to sources. Landale solidifies the Grizzlies’ interior game after Huff’s trade, as the team and his agent, Sammy Wloszczowski of SIG Sports, reach an agreement.
The Grizzlies set more ball screens under Tuomas Iisalo compared to Taylor Jenkins, which fits with Landale. According to data, Landale ranked third in ball screens set per 100 possessions among players who set at least 500 ball screens. Landale recorded career highs in field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage last season.
The veteran pivot could see more playing time at the start of the season with Zach Edey undergoing ankle surgery in June. Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. is also recovering from a toe procedure and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
