Report: Knicks are eyeing trade for ex-Defensive Player of the Year

Tom Thibodeau may be gone, but the New York Knicks are still apparently focused heavily on defense.

The Knicks view Memphis Grizzlies All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. as a “dream pairing” in their frontcourt alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported on Monday. Pursiainen further notes that at least one key member of the Knicks’ front office has long been interested in Jackson as a trade target.

A 25-year-old ex-lottery pick, Jackson is about to enter the final season of his contract with the Grizzlies at $23.4M. Memphis also just traded away Desmond Bane to an Eastern Conference contender over the weekend, potentially signaling the beginning of a rebuild.

Jackson’s resume speaks for itself at this point. He is already a two-time All-Star as well as a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Jackson has twice led the league in blocked shots and is fairly durable as well, appearing in 74 games this season.

The Knicks currently have Mitchell Robinson as their starting center, but Robinson’s health is always a question, and he is almost a complete non-factor outside the paint. By contrast, Jackson is a 35.1% career three-point shooter (hitting 37.5% of his threes this year) and also has the agility to switch onto guards on the defensive perimeter. That would indeed make Jackson an ideal fit next to the defensively-uneven five-time All-Star Towns.

There are some doubts as to whether the Grizzlies are actually entertaining the possibility of a Jackson trade. But it seems like the Knicks, who once employed Jackson’s father (Jaren Jackson Sr.) as an assistant coach for their G League affiliate, may at least be looking to try their luck on that front.