Utah Jazz announced that center Jaren Jackson Jr. will miss the remainder of the 2025–26 NBA season after doctors identified a localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) growth in his left knee, a finding made during a routine post-trade physical.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported the news, stating: “BREAKING: Utah Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. is likely to miss the remainder of the season to undergo surgery on his left knee to ensure his longterm health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered post trade, league sources tell me.”
Jackson, 26, was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 3 as part of a major eight-player trade but appeared in just three games for Utah before the issue surfaced on an MRI. The condition, while benign, is known to be aggressive and can worsen without treatment, prompting the team to opt for surgery focused on Jackson’s long-term health. The diagnosis came as a surprise given Jackson’s strong early performances with the Jazz, including a 25-point outing against Sacramento just hours before the announcement. In his brief Utah stint, he averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 24 minutes per game, offering a glimpse of his impact on both ends of the floor.
Before the trade, Jackson was enjoying another productive season in Memphis, posting 19.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while continuing to anchor the defense. A two-time All-Star and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022–23, he has also earned multiple All-Defensive Team selections and led the league in blocks twice. Drafted fourth overall in 2018, Jackson is the only player from his class to surpass 8,000 points, 2,500 rebounds and 800 blocks.
Utah’s decision to acquire Jackson raised eyebrows, with the Jazz giving up three first-round picks along with several players to land Jackson and extended his contract last summer. He has four years and $205 million remaining on the deal, including a $53.5 million player option for 2029–30.
Editorial credit: Luca Ponti / Shutterstock.com