The New York Knicks have taken a major leap this season, emerging as one of the East’s most formidable squads. But even with their strong play, there's still a noticeable gap between them and the conference’s elite-namely, the Boston Celtics and the red-hot Detroit Pistons. If the Knicks want to close that gap and make a serious run at their first title in over 50 years, the front office may need to address a key issue: their interior defense.
Enter a bold trade scenario that’s been making the rounds-one that would send Karl-Anthony Towns packing and bring in Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis. The proposed deal would also land the Knicks veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while the Grizzlies would receive Towns, along with Miles McBride and Pacôme Dadiet.
Let’s break this down.
Why the Knicks Would Consider Moving Towns
Towns is one of the most offensively gifted big men in the league. He can stretch the floor, score from all three levels, and has the kind of offensive versatility that makes him a matchup nightmare.
But defense? That’s where things get tricky.
Pairing Towns with another star who struggles on the defensive end creates a ceiling for this Knicks team-especially in the playoffs, where every possession matters and defensive lapses get magnified. The Knicks have built a tough, gritty identity under Tom Thibodeau, and while Towns brings plenty to the table, his inconsistent defense doesn’t always fit that mold.
Why Jaren Jackson Jr. Makes Sense
Jackson, on the other hand, is a defensive anchor. He’s not going to drop 30 every night, but he doesn’t need to.
What he brings is elite rim protection, switchability on the perimeter, and the ability to guard multiple positions-all while still averaging nearly 19 points a game. That’s a rare combination.
This season, Jackson’s averaging 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, one steal, and 1.5 blocks in just over 30 minutes a night. He’s not the offensive focal point that Towns is, but he doesn’t have to be in New York. With Jalen Brunson leading the charge and Julius Randle providing scoring punch, what the Knicks need most is someone who can anchor the defense-and Jackson fits that bill perfectly.
The Caldwell-Pope Factor
Adding Caldwell-Pope into the mix isn’t just a throw-in. He’s a proven 3-and-D wing with championship experience, and he’d bring a steady veteran presence to the Knicks’ backcourt rotation. He’s the kind of player who can hit big shots in the postseason and take on tough defensive assignments-exactly the type of role player who elevates a contender.
What This Means for New York
This hypothetical trade isn’t without risk. Towns is a three-time All-Star for a reason, and moving on from that kind of offensive talent is never easy. But if the Knicks are serious about winning now-and not just being a good team, but a great one-then a move like this could be the kind of swing that changes their trajectory.
Jackson gives them a defensive core to build around, and Caldwell-Pope adds depth and experience. It’s the kind of trade that doesn't just shift talent, but reshapes identity. And for a franchise still chasing that elusive title after more than five decades, it might be the kind of bold move that finally makes the difference.