Jazz’s Jaren Jackson Jr. to have surgery for growth in knee

utah jazz Ahead jaren jackson jr The team announced Thursday that he will undergo surgery to remove a growth in his left knee.

Jackson, a two-time All-Star memphis grizzlies In a blockbuster deal at the trade deadlineHe will miss the remainder of the season, sources told ESPN. Sources said he is expected to be cleared before training camp.

The growth – a pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) – was found on an MRI during a physical examination following his transfer from the Grizzlies to the Jazz on February 3.

Jackson, the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year, who is averaging 19.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season, will have the procedure during the All-Star break.

A source said that Jackson is not feeling pain in the knee, but doctors felt it was necessary to remove it soon because otherwise it would aggravate.

In his three games with the Jazz, the 26-year-old Jackson averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists while playing 24 minutes, missing out in the fourth quarter.

His playing time has been a controversial topic due to concerns about tanking in the NBA, but sources said his playing time with the Jazz was at a one-minute limit due to medical reasons.

He was acquired by Utah as part of an eight-player deal in which Memphis received three first-round draft picks along with the rookie guard. Walter Clayton Jr. and further kyle anderson, taylor hendricks And Georges Niang. In addition to Jackson, the Jazz also acquired center Jock Landell and protector john concher And vince williams jr

Jackson renegotiated his contract last summer and has four seasons and $205 million remaining on the deal, which also includes a $53.5 million player option for 2029-30.

Utah (18-37) is in 13th place in the Western Conference, eight games back of the final play-in spot.