Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. had a clear message as he prepared to face his former team for the first time on Oct. 21 inside FedExForum since being traded Feb. 3.
He was focused. The attention was preparing his Utah Jazz squad's matchup against the Grizzlies (7 p.m. CT, DAZN-MEM).
As Jackson’s plane landed in Memphis and he rode around the city, memories of more than eight seasons with the Grizzlies began to surface.
This isn’t Jackson’s first time back in Memphis since joining the Utah Jazz. He sill has a home in Memphis, and he returned on Feb. 20 after the trade deadline when the Grizzlies hosted the Jazz and received a tribute video.
But this matchup will mark the first time Jackson has played against his former teammates
since the trade. This is technically new, but Jackson isn't approaching the game feeling any different.
“No, I don’t think so," Jackson said. "I’m a professional. That’s really what it’s all about. It’s been a minute, too."
Jaren Jackson Jr. talks Brandon Clarke
Much has changed since Jackson left Memphis. Ja Morant and Santi Aldama have also been traded, and Brandon Clarke, Jackson’s close friend and teammate for seven seasons, died in May.
Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer pointed out that Jackson’s return coincides with the team’s season opener, during which Memphis will honor Clarke with a tribute.
When asked about Clarke ahead of the matchup during shootaround, Jackson kept his response brief.
“That’s my brother,” Jackson said. “So, yeah.”
Asked to describe their friendship, Jackson said, “It was everything.”
Jackson also maintains relationships with several other former Grizzlies teammates. He continues to talk with players from his time in Memphis and attended one of Desmond Bane’s playoff games last season alongside Morant.
Jackson said he still talks with the former teammates who remain on the Grizzlies, as well as other players with whom he developed close relationships during his time in Memphis.
“Now I’m in the present again,” Jackson said. “My mind is focused on this. My brothers are elsewhere balling.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. keeping an eye on Cam Boozer
One of the biggest differences between Jackson’s former team and its current roster is Cam Boozer. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft plays the same position Jackson did in Memphis, making the rookie a potential successor to the two-time All-Star.
Boozer also has a connection to Jackson through his father, Carlos Boozer, who works in the Utah organization. Jackson has followed the younger Boozer’s development through his interest in basketball and those connections.
“I’ve followed him and his story,” Jackson said. “He’s a great player. When we get to watch college and high school when we can, he’s definitely someone who I’ve seen grow.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What Jaren Jackson Jr. said pregame about Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies
