The Utah Jazz traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. on Feb. 3. Fewer than 10 days later, reports emerged suggesting Jackson would miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Jackson, 26, played in just three games with the Jazz before being shut down for the rest of the season.
The team reportedly discovered a PVNS growth on Jackson's left knee after the trade, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
A PVNS growth is a benign, but aggressive, tumor. It isn't capable of spreading, but can cause more damage the longer it remains in the body.
Jackson was in the midst of yet another strong season with the Memphis Grizzlies beforebeing traded to the Jazzprior to the deadline. Jackson is averaging 19.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He's even more valuable than those numbers, as Jackson is also considered a strong defender as a former Defensive Player of the Year winner.
Advertisement
The Jazz's decision to trade for Jackson came as a surprise, considering the team's record. At 18-37, the Jazz are among the worst teams in the NBA. Utah had one major incentive for trying to get worse at the deadline, as itwould keep its 2026 first-round pickif the Jazz land in the top eight of the draft. The decision to trade for Jackson, who would help the team win more games, seemed at odds with Utah's strategy of trying to keep its 2026 pick. That's less of an issue now that Jackson will miss the rest of the season.
The convenient timing of Jackson's surgery could lead to some scrutiny from the NBA, whichfined the team $100,000last March for holding Lauri Markkanen out of a game. However, the fact that Jackson is reportedly dealing with a growth on his knee should clear the Jazz in this instance. That's not an issue Jackson should try to play through the rest of the way.
With Jackson down, the Jazz will now focus on how the team can improve ahead of next season. The Jackson trade potentially gives Utah plenty of size. Jackson, Markkanen and Walker Kessler — if he re-signs — would give the team a formidable trio in the frontcourt.
While that's a solid trio, expecting the Jazz to suddenly springboard back into contention could be a lot to ask. The Jazz have finished no higher than 12th in the Western Conference over the last three seasons. Following Jackson's injury, the team is once again in line to finish near the bottom in the West for the fourth straight year.
