A huge new report about the Memphis Grizzlies‘ trade deadline plans may open the door for the New York Knicks to move Karl-Anthony Towns for defensive-minded star Jaren Jackson Jr.
The NY Knicks have been good, but not as great as hoped this season. Their 24-14 record is just third in the East. Furthermore, while they are a threat to make the Finals this spring, there is a belief that they lack the toughness and defensive reliability to win in the championship round. Furthermore, many fans and experts believe Towns is the biggest hindrance to winning it all.
It’s why he has been linked to a lot of trade speculation since the summer. On Saturday, a new report offered up a potential opportunity for the NY Knicks to move him for a player that might be a better fit. While giving an update on the current Ja Morant trade market, NBA insider Jake Fischer first reported that the Grizzlies want young players and draft assets for a rebuild in a trade for the guard.
Furthermore, many executives around the league will inquire about forward Jaren Jackson Jr.’s availability and go through back channels to see if he would force a trade from the rebuilding club. Fischer believes Memphis would like to build around Jackson Jr. Yet, anything might be possible with Memphis ready to remodel the team from the ground up, and a strong draft in June.
With that in mind, the opportunity may be there for a super blockbuster involving the Knicks, Grizzlies, and Miami Heat.
Should the NY Knicks Push for Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade?
It’s a wild idea, but with the Grizzlies off to a disappointing 16-22 start with Jackson Jr. and Morant, what if they were given the idea to move both and get All-Stars back in return while adding draft assets for a talent-rich event this June?
What if Memphis shipped Morant to Miami and Jackson Jr. to New York? In return, Memphis would get Karl-Anthony Towns and Tyler Herro, two first-round picks this year, and future draft assets. To make the money work, role players like Simone Fontecchio (From the Heat), Jaylen Wells (From the Grizzlies) could be added, but a deal can be lined up later this month.
For the Heat, they lose a good player in Herro, but they reportedly believe their infrastructure can get Morant back to his best version, and that player is an elite talent in the game. Far better than Herro at his best.
The Knicks would lose a top scorer and be locked into Jackson Jr.’s contract for as many as five more years. Three more than Towns’. However, they get an elite defensive big who has grown a lot as a scorer in recent years. A starting five featuring Jackson Jr., OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges could be a big problem for even elite offenses.
The deal would be intriguing for Memphis because they would get one of the best shooting bigs of all-time with just two years (player option in 2027-28) left on his deal. Herro is also another top-shelf scorer. Both would certainly keep them in the playoff hunt this year. But most importantly, a trade would mean three first-round picks (including their own) for a draft letter this year that is considered one of the best in a very long time.
