The NBA post-season has a lot going on. There's the draft, which always has a few surprises in it. After that, free agency opens up and things get really crazy. Usually. It took at least half an hour for things to get rolling this year, which might be the longest time it's taken the first team to break the seal. And there are, of course, all the usual trades going on.
One name that came up frequently was Jaren Jackson Jr., a power forward and center for the Memphis Grizzlies. Known as "The Block Panther" for his elite rim protection, several teams in need of a strong player at the five were showing interest in him. Lakers, everyone is looking at you. That makes sense since he led the league in blocks for two years in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The Grizzlies shut all that down by signing a five-year max contract extension with Triple J worth about $240 million. This is the Grizzlies, so it came as no surprise that Jackson was injured the next day in practice and needs surgery. While the Grizzlies weren't open to letting Jaren go, that might have changed if the Knicks were willing to trade Karl-Anthony Towns.
Karl-Anthony Towns is a Knick...for now
When the Timberwolves and the Knicks made their big trade last year, there was a strong feeling that the Knicks got the better end of the deal. It actually turned out to be one of the most fair and equitable trades in NBA history. Julius Randle fit in well with the Wolves, and KAT settled in with the Knicks nicely. Plus, both teams made their respective conference finals this season.
As usual, there have been endless rumors about the Knicks trading Karl-Anthony Towns already, after only one year with the franchise. That would be a bit surprising considering he played well for them and seems to have a good rapport with both Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
That being said, he's still making the same silly KAT fouls he's been consistently committing even after a decade in the league. After the Luka trade, it's quite apparent that anything is possible when it comes to NBA roster changes.
The Knicks trading KAT isn't out of the question by any stretch of the imagination. By the same logic, the Grizzlies trading Triple JJJ or losing him to free agency were possibilities right up until the contract extension. Towns may have been the right trade asset to get the Grizzlies to make the move.
Jaren Jackson Jr. for Karl-Anthony Towns
Swapping Triple J for KAT would have been an interesting move for both teams. It would likely be another equitable trade, similar to the Wolves and Knicks trade that brought Towns to New York City in the first place. In Jackson, the Knicks get the defense and rim protection they need for a sustained playoff run. And KAT gives the Grizzlies scoring at the five that plays off Ja Morant perfectly.
It's not hard to understand why the Grizzlies seemed determined to keep Jackson, though. When looking at the bigger picture, the Grizzlies have lacked stability across the last three seasons. Jaren Jackson Jr. has become an integral part of the team and a reliable locker room leader. Losing him would have sent shockwaves through the entire organization. Like the Pacers losing Myles Turner.
At this point, the Grizzlies being willing to trade Jaren Jackson Jr. for anyone but top-tier talent and/or a slew of first-round draft picks seems unlikely. Teams don't shell out the kind of money they just did for Triple J unless they're fully on board with him being around for the long haul. Regardless, a KAT trade is an interesting notion, one that might eventually get the Grizzlies to make the call.