Mikal Bridges, Knicks
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Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to trade Desmond Bane sent shockwaves around the league, with rival teams expected to inquire about the availability of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies’ other franchise cornerstones.
If the Grizzlies do make Jackson, a former Defensive Player of the Year, available, the Knicks are one team to keep an eye on.
According to ClutchPoints’ Kris Pursiainen, New York has long maintained an interest in Jackson and could be willing to move Mikal Bridges for the shot-blocking big man. The Knicks beat writer added that the team fantasizes about pairing Karl-Anthony Towns and Jackson Jr. together in the frontcourt due to the latter’s defensive prowess.
“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 trade target,” Pursiainen wrote on June 16.
“The Knicks’ acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns last offseason didn’t nullify this interest, either. League sources say that a Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns frontcourt would be a ‘dream’ pairing for New York in their starting lineup.”
Potential Mikal Bridges Trade
Pursiainen explained why Mikal Bridges, whom the Grizzlies previously had interest in, could be critical to a potential deal for Jackson Jr.
“The Grizzlies offered four first-round picks for Mikal Bridges to the Phoenix Suns in 2023,” Pursiainen wrote.
“That’s less than the five-pick return the Brooklyn Nets received from the Knicks. That said, could the Grizzlies still value Bridges similarly to two or three first-round picks? That could make him a conversation starter as the centerpiece of a deal for Jackson Jr.”
The writer then floated the following Mikal Bridges trade pitch.
Knicks would receive: Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Vince Williams Jr.
Grizzlies would receive: Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, 2026 1st round pick (via Wizards) and three second-round picks (2025, 2026, 2028)
Grizzlies Not Trading Jackson Jr?
“The deal would leave the Knicks with a formidable and versatile frontcourt duo. Jackson Jr. and Towns’ shooting talent could allow the team’s next head coach to maximize two-time All-NBA superstar Jalen Brunson,” argued Pursiainen.
The Grizzlies got a financial break when Jackson Jr. failed to qualify for any of the three All-NBA teams in 2024-25. That’s because the Michigan State alum would have qualified for Jackson Jr. for a five-year supermax extension worth up to $345 million. Since he did qualify, the Grizzlies can re-sign him to a four-year deal worth $147 million, which insiders consider a bargain deal for a young star such as Jackson Jr.
As such, several NBA insiders expect the team to hold onto the defensive ace and not entertain any trade offers at least until the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shot down the idea of the Lakers or any other interested suitors pursuing Jackson Jr.
“No chance,” Windhorst said the Grizzlies trading Jackson Jr. “No chance. Absolutely not worth a discussion. Look, I think Jaren Jackson is now in a position to sign a contract extension of over $200 million. I would feel very strongly that’s going to happen.”