NY Knicks: What could a Jaren Jackson Jr trade look like?

It’s obvious that the NY Knicks are going to be looking to upgrade however possible this offseason, and one of those upgrades might very well be a trade for Jaren Jackson Jr.

I recently wrote an article discussing a piece by Marc Berman of the NY Post stating that a trade for JJJ could potentially be in the cards for the Knicks due to some legitimate concerns within the Grizzlies’ organization over the big man’s health.

Jackson Jr is entering the final year of his rookie contract, set to make $9.1 million during the 2021-22 season.

If the rumors are true in that the Grizzlies’ front office is legitimately worried about Jackson’s long-term health and durability, a trade could be likely.

The Grizzles would be nuts to just let him walk at the end of next season, so that’s not going to happen.

Would you want the NY Knicks to make this trade for Jaren Jackson Jr?

If the Knicks were to kick the tires on a trade, it would likely have to be an overpay.

Here’s the trade I came up with:

It’s well known that the Knicks were high on Jackson Jr back in 2018 but he was unlikely to fall to the 9th pick, where New York instead selected Kevin Knox.

Here the Knicks swap a player that they shouldn’t have selected for one they wish they had the chance to.

The trade also pairs Ja Morant with a fun running mate in Obi Toppin.

Granted, losing a star counterpart will certainly hurt Morant but Obi Toppin has been coming into his own as of late and if given more of a starting role somewhere with superior point guard play, it could help Toppin reach his ceiling quicker.

Watching the Grizzlies would be like watching a dunk contest every night.

In addition to Obi and Knox, the Knicks give up the 19th overall pick which is their own this year as well as Detroit’s 2nd rounder which is officially the 32nd pick of the draft.

In a loaded draft, giving up those picks does hurt but Coach Thibs barely ever plays his rookies unless he absolutely has to, so the Knicks may as well give up as many of the picks they have this year in exchange for veteran talent.