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5 hours ago
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The Memphis Grizzlies made the first major trade in the early portion of the NBA offseason by dealing Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. As it’s evident that Memphis is looking for a new direction, the New York Knicks could put themselves in position to land a former Defensive Player of the Year.
According to ClutchPoints’ Kris Pursiainen, the Knicks view Jaren Jackson Jr and Karl-Anthony Towns as a “dream pairing.”
“At least one key member of the Knicks' front office has long been interested in Jackson Jr. as a trade target,” Pursiainen said in his report. “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.”
Jackson Jr. won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023 after he averaged a league-leading 3.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. He has made two All-Star appearances and been named All-Defense three times.
The 25-year-old defensive stalwart has one year remaining on his four-year $104.7 million contract, making him a potentially expendable piece for a Grizzlies team that may be heading in a different direction.
One major caveat that could potentially stop the Knicks from making a trade for Jackson Jr. is his tendency to get into foul trouble. Jackson Jr. is averaging 3.6 personal fouls per game for his career, including a career-high 4.1 fouls per game in 2019-2020. Pairing him with Towns — another big man who is constantly in foul trouble — could prevent the Knicks from maximizing the potential of having both of them on the court at once.
On the other side, Jackson Jr.’s defensive prowess could offset much of Towns’ weaknesses. Additionally, much like Towns, Jackson Jr. has shown the ability to space the floor at an exceptional rate himself, knocking down 35% of his three-point attempts in his career, and 38% this past season.
Jackson Jr. is eligible to sign a four-year, $147 million extension, and with the Grizzlies entering a potential rebuild, it may be a good time for the Knicks to swoop in and land a player that they’ve dreamed of to anchor their defense.
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