The Memphis Grizzlies’ recent trade of Desmond Bane has stirred intense speculation about the availability of other key players, namely Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. If the Grizzlies do decide to part ways with Jackson Jr., the New York Knicks are reportedly among the teams closely monitoring the situation. The Knicks are particularly interested in Jackson Jr., known for his exceptional defensive skills, and are even considering the possibility of trading Mikal Bridges to acquire him. The potential move fits the Knicks’ vision of building a dominant defensive frontcourt alongside their recent acquisition, Karl-Anthony Towns.
According to Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints, the Knicks’ front office has shown a sustained interest in Jackson Jr. Despite acquiring Towns last season, interest in pairing him with Jackson Jr. remains strong, as this combination is seen as a defensive “dream” for New York’s starting lineup.
Sources familiar with the situation tell ClutchPoints that at least one key member of the Knicks’ front office has long been interested in Jackson Jr. as a trade target,
Pursiainen wrote on June 16.
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.
How Mikal Bridges Could Be Central to a Trade for Jackson Jr.
Pursiainen highlighted that Mikal Bridges could form the cornerstone of a proposed trade between the Knicks and Grizzlies. Bridges, once pursued heavily by the Grizzlies, holds significant value. The Grizzlies previously offered four first-round picks to the Phoenix Suns for Bridges in 2023, which was slightly less than what the Brooklyn Nets received from the Knicks in a similar exchange. This hints at a high valuation for Bridges, possibly equating to two or three first-round picks, making him a key bargaining chip in talks surrounding Jackson Jr.
The proposed trade scenario detailed by Pursiainen included the Knicks receiving Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr., while the Grizzlies would acquire Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, a future 2026 first-round pick from the Wizards, and three second-round picks spanning 2025, 2026, and 2028.
Reasons the Grizzlies May Retain Jaren Jackson Jr.
Despite trade rumors, multiple factors suggest the Grizzlies might hold onto Jackson Jr. for the foreseeable future. Financially, Jackson Jr. did not qualify for the prestigious All-NBA teams in the 2024-25 season, which prevents him from earning an ultra-expensive five-year supermax extension worth up to $345 million. Instead, Memphis can re-sign him to a more manageable four-year contract valued at $147 million, seen by many insiders as a bargain given his defensive impact.
This financial context leads many NBA experts to predict that Memphis will be reluctant to trade their defensive anchor before the 2026 trade deadline. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst dismissed the possibility of Jackson Jr. being traded, emphasizing the strong likelihood of a lucrative contract extension.
No chance. Absolutely not worth a discussion. Look, I think Jaren Jackson is now in a position to sign a contract extension of over $200 million. I would feel very strongly that’s going to happen.
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
Impact on Knicks’ Defensive Strategy and Team Dynamics
If the Knicks successfully acquire Jackson Jr., their frontcourt would boast a combination of size, shot-blocking, and shooting ability. This pairing with Karl-Anthony Towns would provide the team with exceptional defensive versatility and offensive firepower, potentially allowing the next Knicks head coach to optimize the performance of star guard Jalen Brunson. This upgrade could transform New York’s lineup into one of the more formidable frontcourt tandems in the league.
The deal would leave the Knicks with a formidable and versatile frontcourt duo. Jackson Jr. and Towns’ shooting talent could allow the team’s next head coach to maximize two-time All-NBA superstar Jalen Brunson,
argued Pursiainen.
As the Knicks weigh these options, the league will be watching closely to see if talks progress and how Memphis values their defensive cornerstone amid its evolving roster.