The Memphis Grizzlies may have triggered the process of a rebuild by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, rendering most of their players available in potential trade talks. With Grizzlies’ star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. drawing some attention, a recent rumor has suggested that the New York Knicks may be interested in the center to pair him with Karl-Anthony Towns.
As per Clutch Points’ Kris Pursiainen, the Knicks view the pairing of Jackson Jr. and Towns as a dream for the future. He wrote:
“At least one key member of the Knicks’ front office has long been interested in Jackson Jr. as a trade target. The Knicks’ acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns last offseason didn’t nullify this interest, either.”
“League sources say that a Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns frontcourt would be a ‘dream’ pairing for New York in their starting lineup.”
New York has been closely associated with the Grizzlies’ center, primarily through his father, who was hired as an assistant coach for New York’s G-League affiliated team, the Westchester Knicks, in 2021.
Although this may not be a reason for the Knicks, or Jackson for that matter, to show an interest in the other, the team may still have an interest in the former DPOY.
Jackson Jr. could be a great addition to New York’s roster if they opt to pursue him. The big man notched an average of 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His mobility at his size, along with his versatility on the offensive end, made him one of Memphis’ key players.
The biggest complication in any effort made by New York to acquire Jackson will be the trade package itself. If the Desmond Bane trade is to be considered a template for dealing with the Grizzlies, it is clear that they are seeking short-term/expiring contracts and draft capital.
Jackson Jr. is coming off a season of averaging some solid numbers and even earning an All-Star selection. The big man will also be in the final year of his four-year, $104.7 million deal next season.
While he doesn’t have a player option, he will be eligible for an extension next summer, which could be a potential supermax deal. This could be a reason for the Grizzlies to show an inclination towards offloading him, particularly with a rebuild in mind.
In the current scenario, Jackson Jr. is set to earn $23.4 million next season, a relatively lower cap hit than some of the players on the Knicks roster. With several potential trade scenarios available, with a few draft assets on the table as well, the Knicks could very realistically acquire the Grizzlies’ big man.
Jackson Jr. Compensates For Towns’ Shortcomings
The Knicks would be right to view Jaren Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns as a dream frontcourt pairing, primarily due to how the Grizzlies’ center is capable of compensating for Towns’ shortcomings.
The Knicks star was scrutinized for being a defensive liability in the playoffs, to the extent that even the coaches were frustrated with him. As brilliant and effective as he was on offense, his performances were routinely stained by poor defense, to the extent of drawing the blame for Tom Thibodeau’s firing.
In light of this, Jackson Jr. could be the ideal partner for Towns. His innate mobility and agility allow him to switch defensive assignments quite seamlessly. Pair this with his athleticism and adept rim protection skills, and the Knicks would have insurance for Towns’ defensive output.
Offensively, however, this pairing may not be as formidable. The two big men feature a very similar style of play, given their ability to stretch the floor with long-range shooting. Although they are still quite capable under the basket, the Knicks’ spacing may see virtually no one under the basket to secure offensive rebounds.
This is extremely speculative, as the Knicks are likely to see major changes in the way they approach the game. With a new head coach bringing new ideologies, New York is primed for a shift in identity.
