The New York Knicks are expected to be one of the busy teams this offseason after losing in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Jaren Jackson Jr. appearing as a trade candidate.
The New York Knicks lost the Indiana Pacers’ Eastern Conference final, prompting a quick fire from manager Tom Thibodeau and some trade rumours.
The Knicks are linked to Giannis Antetocomo and Kevin Durant, but to balance the salaries of established stars, New York has to give up key starters in possible deals.
As a large market team, the Knicks were never ruled out from the star sweepstakes, and general manager Leon Rose was previously an agent for Jaren Jackson Jr.
Speculation came to suggest that Jackson Jr. was linked to the Knicks after the Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bain.
Last season, the Knicks slid four spots in the league’s defensive rating rankings. Adding Jackson Jr. clearly improves their defense, but that’s at the cost.
In Giannis and Durant’s mock deals, the Knicks are predicted to say goodbye to the town of Karl Anthony. Jackson Jr. believes that scoring punches can work with both players.
“Sources familiar with the situation have told ClutchPoints that at least one key member of the Knicks front office has long been interested in Jackson Jr. as a trade target,” writes Kris Pursiainen.
“The Knicks’ Karl Anthony Towns acquisition in the final offseason did not negate this interest either. League sources say the frontcourts of Jackson Jr. and Karl Anthony Towns will be New York’s ‘dream’ pair in their starting lineup. ”
Both town and Jackson Jr. are solid archers, and there will be plenty of options to choose from when Jalen Branson puts them on the boundary to kick out the ball. The fit on the court seems to work very well, but there is a real concern that the Knicks can’t match the Grizzlies’ asking price.
Grizzlies received four picks and swaps from Orlando Magic in Bane, who has never played an All-Star Game. The price for Jackson Jr. will be higher than the price for Bain, especially if they are placed in the trade market, if there are many suitors.
However, the Knicks could very easily match Jackson Jr.’s salary and get creative with draft picks.
Complete mock trade details
- Knicks Received: Ear Jackson Jr.
- Grizzlies Receive: Mikal Bridges, Pacome Dadiet, 2026 1st Round Pick (WSH, Protected 1-10), 2030 First Round Pick Swap, 2025 Pick No. 50, 2 2026 Second Round Picks, 2027 Second Round Picks
Of course, the above deal does not assume that the third team is caught up in the ropes. The first round pick and the team heavily protected on top of it may not be enough to trade the Grizzlies for Jackson Jr., but the Knicks can re-rout Tyler Colleck, Mitchell Robinson, or OG Anunoby.
Until Memphis clarify their priorities, expect Jackson Jr. and Ja Moranti to stay in town for at least for now.