Jay Huff Traded to Indiana Pacers After Breakout Season in Memphis
The Indiana Pacers have acquired center Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade that sends one second-round pick and a second-round pick swap to Memphis. The news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, marks a significant addition to the Pacers’ frontcourt, particularly given the recent departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Huff, a 7’1″ center who played college basketball at the University of Virginia, enjoyed a breakout season with the Grizzlies in 2024-2025. In 64 games, he averaged 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 11.7 minutes per game. His impressive shooting touch was a standout feature, as he became one of only three seven-foot players in the league to shoot over 40% from three-point range on at least 200 attempts, joining Kristaps Porzingis and Karl-Anthony Towns.
His overall shooting efficiency was also remarkable, boasting 51.5% from the field and 78.6% from the free-throw line. Huff’s performance culminated in a stellar regular season finale against the Dallas Mavericks, where he recorded a season-high 22 points, along with 6 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 2 assists. His defensive impact was equally impressive, holding opponents to a field goal percentage 8.2% lower than expected, according to NBA tracking data.
Before his breakout season in Memphis, Huff gained experience with the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers, steadily increasing his playing time each year. His journey also includes a G-League Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023 while on a two-way contract. At Virginia, Huff was a standout player, earning All-ACC second-team honors and a spot on the All-ACC defensive team in his final year. He finished his college career second in Virginia history with 166 blocked shots.
In Indianapolis, Huff will join a Pacers team led by 2025 Eastern Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam and will play under head coach Rick Carlisle, who led the Pacers to the NBA Finals this past season. The acquisition of Huff provides the Pacers with a versatile and skilled center who can contribute on both ends of the court. With Huff under contract through the 2027-28 season, the Pacers are clearly investing in his long-term potential. The trade represents a shrewd move by the Pacers, adding a talented player at a position of need while only surrendering future draft assets. Huff’s combination of size, shooting ability, and defensive prowess makes him a valuable addition to the Pacers’ roster as they look to build on their recent success.
