Jay Huff moves from the Grizzlies to the Indiana Pacers.

Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum.

Image Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers have reportedly decided to acquire Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies by trading two draft picks. According to reports, the Pacers traded a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap to sign Huff from the Grizzlies. The second round pick is a 2029 selection and was originally owned by the Portland Trailblazers. Both teams have also agreed to swap the 2031 second-round picks. 

By signing Huff, the Pacers aim to fill the void left by Myles Turner’s move to the Milwaukee Bucks a few days ago. Notably, the Pacers are the fifth team for Huff who will turn 27 by the start of the 2025-26 season. He moved to the Grizzlies after the Denver Nuggets in July 2024 in a two-way contract. Huff averaged 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game for the team in the recent-past season. 

Before the Grizzlies, he played 31 games across three seasons for the LA Lakers, the Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets. 

Update: The Indiana Pacers are trading a 2029 Portland Trail Blazers second-round pick and a 2031 second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies for center Jay Huff, league sources told @hoopshype. pic.twitter.com/avmwxWdRZv

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 5, 2025
Why Did Indiana Opt for Jay Huff? 

While Huff didn’t have more games during his stint with the Nuggets, Wizards and the Lakers, he took a step and established himself as an NBA role player this season. He began the season with a two-way contract but delivered decent performances. Owing to his gameplay, the Grizzlies converted his deal to a four-year contract. The Durham, North Carolina-born then went on to play 64 games for the Grizzlies. 

Talking about him signing with the Pacers, Huff’s cap will be over $2.3 million in the upcoming season and hit $2.6 million in the 2026-27 season, followed by a team option. In addition, the Pacers are also going through financial considerations related to the luxury tax. A cheap contract who can also contribute is a deal worth acquiring for the Pacers.