Coming off their first conference finals appearance in 25 years, the New York Knicks are on the cusp of competing for a title in the Eastern Conference. As they pursue possible upgrades to get them over the hump, one All-Star-level talent doesn't look like he'll be hitting the market.
In a move that caught most of the basketball world by surprise, the Orlando Magic paid a handsome price to acquire Desmond Bane. Following this trade, speculation arose of this being a sign of a potential rebuild for the Memphis Grizzlies. With one key piece to the roster gone, chatter arose regarding the futures of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Fresh off another season of strong two-way play, Jackson Jr. would surely garner a lot of interest around the league. Among the teams linked to him following the Bane trade was the Knicks. However, it appears that Memphis doesn't plan on parting with either of its All-Stars.
The New York Knicks reportedly view Jaren Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns as a ‘dream pairing,’ per @krispursiainen
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
“Sources familiar with the situation tell ClutchPoints that at least one key member of the Knicks' front office has long been interested in Jackson Jr. as a… pic.twitter.com/VnjwYfkvXZ
While appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show" Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania detailed the latest regarding the Grizzlies. He cited that the franchise has expressed it plans to continue building around Morant and Jackson Jr. moving forward.
"From my understanding," Charania said. "The Grizzlies are signaling privately that they want continue to build around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant."
"Not many people expected this Desmond Bane trade to happen..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 16, 2025
The Grizzlies got a major haul of draft picks..
The Grizzlies plan is to still build around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/uXDuhAA1Ts
Jackson Jr., 25, would have been an interesting target for the Knicks. With his versatility in the frontcourt, he makes a great pairing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. JJJ is a DPOY-level defender who can protect the rim but is also capable of taking his game beyond the arc. This would give New York a strong back line defensively without having to compromise any spacing on offense. In 74 games with the Grizzlies this season, Jackson averaged 22.2 PPG and 5.6 RPG while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc.
With Memphis showing they don't want to part with their dynamic big man, the Knicks will have to explore other avenues as they attempt to improve their roster this offseason.