The New York Knicks stormed into the season with momentum, capturing the NBA Cup and looking like a team on the rise. But lately, that early promise has taken a hit. They've dropped four straight and are just 2-9 in their last 11 games-an undeniable slump as the trade deadline looms.
And now, the rumor mill is heating up around Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns has been solid on paper-averaging 21.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists-but questions about his defensive fit and overall synergy with the current roster are starting to overshadow his production. That’s led to growing chatter that the Knicks are open to moving the 30-year-old big man, especially as they try to recalibrate under first-year head coach Mike Brown, who hasn’t shied away from publicly challenging his players, including Towns.
One team reportedly circling: the Memphis Grizzlies.
According to league sources, Memphis has interest in acquiring Towns, and the fit could make sense for both sides. The Grizzlies are at a crossroads, with the Ja Morant era teetering amid off-court issues and a need for a cultural reset. Towns, known for keeping a low profile and being a positive locker room presence, could be the kind of foundational piece Memphis needs to turn the page.
A potential deal could involve Memphis sending Jaren Jackson Jr., GG Jackson, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to New York in exchange for Towns and Landry Shamet. While Morant’s name naturally comes up in any major Grizzlies trade conversation, the Knicks likely aren’t eager to shake up their backcourt, especially with Jalen Brunson already anchoring the point.
Let’s unpack this possible trade.
For the Knicks, Jaren Jackson Jr. brings immediate defensive upside. He’s long, mobile, and has the kind of shot-blocking instincts that could make coach Brown’s defensive schemes even more punishing.
Offensively, he’s no slouch either-he’s averaged over 18 points per game over the last four seasons and continues to stretch the floor with an improving three-point shot. At just 26, there’s still room for him to grow, and playing alongside Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges could give the Knicks one of the most versatile and disruptive frontcourts in the league.
GG Jackson and Caldwell-Pope would add depth and two-way toughness off the bench. Both are capable defenders who can guard multiple positions, and both bring energy that could elevate the Knicks’ second unit. While the Knicks already have guys like Jordan Clarkson and Miles McBride in similar roles, there’s no such thing as too much depth-especially when Caldwell-Pope also brings championship experience and veteran leadership to the table.
On the flip side, Towns would give the Grizzlies a much-needed offensive anchor. Right now, Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the team in scoring with 18.8 points per game, and while that’s respectable, it’s not enough to carry a team night in and night out.
Towns, a three-time All-NBA selection, has shown he can be that go-to scorer. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting would open up driving lanes for Morant and give young wings like Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells more room to operate.
Memphis has some size in Zach Edey and Jock Landale, but neither has the offensive gravity or star power that Towns brings. They’re solid role players, but not guys you build around. Towns gives them a centerpiece-someone who can be the focal point of the offense and help redefine the team’s identity.
And while this move might not catapult the Grizzlies back into contention overnight, it gives them a clear direction. With head coach Tuomas Iisalo known for his willingness to experiment, Memphis could build a system around Towns that maximizes his strengths-surrounding him with shooters, playmakers, and defenders to cover up his weaknesses and let him thrive.
And who knows-maybe a steady presence like Towns is exactly what Morant needs to find his footing again.
With the trade deadline approaching fast, both the Knicks and Grizzlies have big decisions to make. Whether this deal gets done or not, it’s clear that change is coming. And if Towns is on the move, it could be the first domino in a fascinating second half of the season.