Grizzlies and Pacers finalize trade: Jay Huff changes teams
The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to a trade with the Indiana Pacers, sending center Jay Huff in exchange for a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap, according to sources close to the situation.
Huff, who will turn 27 in August, earned his first standard NBA contract in his fourth season, after making a good impression in Memphis. Last season, the player averaged almost seven points, with 40% three-point shooting, in 11.7 minutes per game.
The Pacers are looking to reinforce their interior game following the departure of Myles Turner, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. Huff shares similarities with Turner, highlighting his ability to shoot from distance and protect the rim.
In the previous season, Huff was one of three players over 7 feet tall who achieved 40% three-point shooting accuracy with at least 200 attempts, along with Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis. In addition, he ranked 24th in field goal percentage allowed on layups and dunks, among 90 players who contested at least 300 shots, according to GeniusIQ data.
Huff averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes played with Memphis and was named G League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He is under contract through the 2027-28 season.Jock Landale Bolsters the Grizzlies
In a related move, free agent center Jock Landale has reached an agreement with the Grizzlies. Landale will strengthen the Grizzlies’ interior game following Huff’s trade, as the team and his agent, Sammy Wloszczowski of SIG Sports, have agreed on terms.
The Grizzlies will implement more screens with coach Tuomas Iisalo compared to Taylor Jenkins, which suits Landale’s style. According to GeniusIQ, Landale ranked third in ball screens per 100 possessions among players who set at least 500 ball screens. Landale recorded career highs in field goal percentage and three-point percentage last season.
The veteran pivot could have more playing time at the beginning of the season, due to Zach Edey undergoing ankle surgery in June. Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. is also recovering from surgery on his big toe and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
