Anytime an NBA franchise gives any indication that it might be leaning towards a rebuild, it should prick up ears around the league. Whether that indication comes from public comments from the front office or actual moves, contending teams are ready to capitalize. In the case of the Memphis Grizzlies, their statement was as strong as can be. On Sunday, June 15th, Memphis dealt away Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for two players, four first-round picks, and a pick swap.
There is no better indication of an impending rebuild than moving off your third-best player to bring in draft capital. Zach Kleiman and co. could feasibly keep Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. for the next era of Grizzlies basketball, as they are both in their mid-20s. However, Memphis could just as easily be ready to tear it all down. Let’s dive into a possible JJJ-Knicks pairing.
Knicks “Dreaming” of New Big Man Pairing
The next Grizzlies to be dealt could be Morant and Jackson. In that case, the Knicks should abandon their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo as he seems to be unavailable and focus on Jackson. New York has already made it clear they’re not interested in Kevin Durant. Suddenly, trade targets are already dwindling around the league. Leon Rose could reasonably run it back with the exact same core plus a depth addition or two. NY would be one of the top contenders in the NBA and arguably the best team in the weakened Eastern Conference.
However, if Rose wants to make a splash after a disappointing playoff exit, he should target Jackson. Still just 25 years old, the big man is a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate who routinely features on All-NBA defensive teams. He’s not only a defender, however. Jackson has steadily improved his offensive game since being drafted in 2018, averaging 22.3 points on 57.2% true shooting over the last two seasons. He’s become a capable three-point shooter with five-out capabilities who can also put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. Due to his questionable shot mechanics and slow release, he may never be a transcendent scorer, but he’s more than good enough to fit into New York’s nuclear offense.
Karl-Anthony Towns and JJJ Are a “Dream” Pairing
With a new coach coming in for 2025-26, all the talk is about how they will maximize NY’s offense. One of the weaknesses that got Tom Thibodeau fired was his inability to optimize New York’s overflowing offensive talent. There would be no better challenge for that new coach than to pair Jackson Jr. at the four with Karl-Anthony Towns at the five. It would allow Mitchell Robinson to slot correctly into a 20-minute per game bench role. ClutchPoints has reported the Knicks have interest in JJJ.
The New York Knicks reportedly view Jaren Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns as a ‘dream pairing,’ per @krispursiainen
“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… pic.twitter.com/VnjwYfkvXZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
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More importantly, Jackson and Towns complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses perfectly. Towns is one of the best rebounders in basketball, posting 12.8 rebounds per game last year and 11.1 for his career. Jackson’s worst trait is his inability to rebound as a 6-foot-10 big man. He averaged just 5.6 in 2025 and 5.5 for his career. Conversely, Towns struggles in a variety of areas defensively. Jackson could cover for all of those weaknesses.
Triple J and KAT also work perfectly on the offensive side, as both are versatile five-out bigs. If New York can send Josh Hart to the bench or trade him for depth, sliding in either a replacement or Miles McBride, they can play the true five-out spacing offense fans have been begging for since acquiring Towns. In that case, all five players would be able to dribble, pass, and shoot, a concept the Celtics have popularized. Jackson and Towns could run a two-man game and screening actions together. JJJ also simply gives New York another legitimate scoring option to help Jalen Brunson.
Knicks Won’t Have the Best Offer
Unfortunately, the Knicks will likely not have the top trade package to offer for Jackson. However, one reason he is such an attractive asset is that he’s an upcoming free agent after 2026. This gives him leverage to pick his destination with the threat of leaving for nothing as a free agent. Furthermore, he only makes $23M in 2025-26, meaning that any teams over the salary cap who can only do one-for-one deals have fewer options. While NY has a shortage of draft capital after the Mikal Bridges trade, they can offer Bridges in a Jackson trade. If he wants to come to New York, the former DPOY may be on his way. It remains unlikely, but possible.
Featured image: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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