After riding high with an NBA Cup win and a strong early-season showing, the New York Knicks have suddenly hit a wall. They've dropped four straight and are just 2-9 in their last 11 games-a sharp turn for a team that looked like it had finally found its rhythm.
And with the trade deadline looming, the buzz around Karl-Anthony Towns is growing louder. Despite putting up solid numbers-21.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game-Towns’ fit in New York is being questioned.
His defensive inconsistencies and the team’s recent slide have reportedly made him a trade candidate. The situation wasn’t helped when head coach Mike Brown, in his first season with the Knicks, publicly called him out-a rare move that speaks volumes about internal frustrations.
Enter the Memphis Grizzlies.
According to reports, Memphis has expressed interest in acquiring Towns. From a roster-building standpoint, the Grizzlies make sense as a trade partner.
They’ve got the assets, and perhaps more importantly, they’re looking for a cultural reset. With the Ja Morant era teetering-thanks to off-court distractions and a lack of on-court continuity-the Grizzlies are eyeing a new identity.
One built around professionalism, consistency, and a fresh locker room energy.
Towns could be the centerpiece of that transformation. He’s not a guy who demands the spotlight.
He’s stayed out of controversy, has a positive presence, and is well-regarded by teammates. For a team trying to re-establish stability, that matters.
A potential trade package could include Jaren Jackson Jr., GG Jackson, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope heading to New York in exchange for Towns and Landry Shamet. Ja Morant’s name has been floated in the rumor mill, but with Jalen Brunson firmly entrenched as New York’s lead guard, that move feels unlikely.
From the Knicks’ perspective, this could be more than just a shake-up-it could be a retooling that fits coach Brown’s defensive mindset. Jaren Jackson Jr. would bring a significant upgrade on that end.
He’s a former Defensive Player of the Year and has averaged over 18 points per game the last four seasons. Add in his improved three-point shooting, and he offers a lot of what Towns brings offensively-just with a much stronger defensive backbone.
At just 26, JJJ is still on the upswing. He hasn’t hit his ceiling yet, and under Brown’s system, he could thrive next to Mitchell Robinson and either OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges. That trio could form one of the most formidable defensive frontcourts in the league.
Then there’s GG Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope-two players who could give the Knicks’ second unit a real boost. Both are capable two-way contributors.
GG brings youth and energy, while KCP adds championship experience and defensive grit. Even with Jordan Clarkson and Miles McBride in the mix, the Knicks could use the depth.
In today’s NBA, you can never have too many wings who can defend and shoot.
For Memphis, the appeal of Towns is clear. They need a go-to scorer, and with Jaren Jackson Jr. currently leading the team at 18.8 points per game, they’re lacking that offensive alpha.
Towns, a three-time All-NBA selection, can fill that void. His ability to space the floor would also open up driving lanes for Morant, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells.
Right now, the Grizzlies’ big man rotation includes Zach Edey and Jock Landale-solid role players, but not exactly game-changers. Towns would immediately become the focal point of the offense and give Memphis a foundation to build around.
And while this move might not catapult the Grizzlies into immediate contention, it sets the stage for a new era. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo has shown a willingness to experiment, and with Towns as the anchor, Memphis could surround him with shooters and playmakers to maximize his skill set.
There’s even a chance that Morant, with a steady co-star beside him, could rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most electrifying players.
The clock is ticking, and both franchises are at a crossroads. For the Knicks, it’s about salvaging a season that started with so much promise. For the Grizzlies, it’s about turning the page and starting fresh.
The next few days could shape the trajectory of both teams-for this season and beyond.