Latest news with #JarenJacksonJr
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA insider pours cold water on Lakers trading for Jaren Jackson Jr.
NBA insider pours cold water on Lakers trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. On Sunday, the Orlando Magic landed Desmond Bane, a rising shooting guard, from the Memphis Grizzlies for four future first-round draft picks, guard Cole Anthony and former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While Bane, who averaged 19.2 points a game this season, has the ability to lift the offensively inept Magic a notch, plenty feel they gave up too much for a man who has never made the All-Star team. This big trade has also made people wonder if Memphis, which has been struggling to take the next step itself and become a contender, could make another big move soon. Some are questioning whether big man Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star who has one year left on his current contract, could be the next player to be moved. Lakers fans are hoping that he gets moved to the Purple and Gold. But ESPN's Brian Windhorst gave them a reality check by saying on "Get Up" that such a trade won't happen. "No chance," ESPN's Brian Windhorst claimed Monday. "No chance. It's absolutely not worth a discussion. And look, I think that Jaren Jackson -- he's now in position to sign a contract extension of over $200 million. I would feel like that's very strongly going to happen." When one takes a step back, one has to question why Memphis would prefer to trade Jackson rather than give him an extension. He's now its second-best player, and he put up 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals a game while making 37.5% of his 3-point attempts this season. At age 25, he could run alongside star guard Ja Morant for years to come. But if he does become available, there's no doubt he would be the type of ideal center target the Lakers want and need. He could give them inside scoring from the low post in addition to his shot-blocking, rebounding and 3-point shooting, and he's athletic enough to give their transition game a much-needed shot in the arm while converting on lob passes from Luka Doncic.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks might get $104.72 million Memphis Grizzlies big man to form power duo with KAT; Mikal Bridges key trade asset?
Karl-Anthony Towns (Image via Imagn) The New York Knicks are eyeing a major offseason move to push them closer to an NBA title after falling short in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. A potential blockbuster trade involving Mikal Bridges could bring Grizzlies superstar Jaren Jackson Jr. to Madison Square Garden. Why the New York Knicks Are Targeting Jaren Jackson Jr. The New York Knicks came agonizingly close to the NBA Finals this season, losing to the Indiana Pacers in a hard-fought series. Despite strong performances from All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the team lacked one more elite piece to get over the hump. Enter Jaren Jackson Jr. The Memphis Grizzlies' star, a two-time All-Star and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, could be the missing link. Reports suggest the Grizzlies may be open to trading him as they pivot toward a rebuild after dealing Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. According to ClutchPoints' Kris Pursiainen, the Knicks have long been interested in Jackson Jr.: "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." (H/t: Sporting News) Potential Trade Package Jaren Jackson Jr (Image via Sky Sports) To acquire Jaren Jackson Jr., the New York Knicks would likely need to part with Mikal Bridges, a key two-way player. The Grizzlies previously offered four first-round picks for Bridges in 2023, signaling their high valuation of him. Pursiainen outlines a possible deal: - Knicks Receive: - Jaren Jackson Jr. - Vince Williams Jr. - John Konchar - Grizzlies Receive: - Mikal Bridges - Mitchell Robinson - 1 first-round pick - 3 second-round picks Why This Trade Makes Sense For the Knicks For the Grizzlies Adds an elite two-way big man to pair with Towns Gets a proven wing in Bridges Strengthens frontcourt defense and spacing Acquires future draft assets for rebuild Creates a true Big 3 (Brunson, Towns, Jackson Jr.) Sheds salary while adding young talent How Jackson Jr. Elevates the New York Knicks At just 25 years old, Jackson Jr. is coming off his best offensive season, averaging: - 22.2 points - 5.6 rebounds - 2.0 assists - 37.5% from three on 5.3 attempts per game Defensively, he remains a force, leading the league in blocks twice and earning three All-Defensive Team selections. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim would make him an ideal fit next to Towns. The Cost of Losing Bridges While Bridges has been a reliable scorer and defender for the Knicks, Jackson Jr.'s upside might be too good to pass up. His arrival would give New York a championship-caliber trio, positioning them as serious contenders in what should be a wide-open Eastern Conference next season. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to bag 6-feet-8 Portlan Trail Blazers big man and form Big 3 with Luka Doncic and LeBron James; key trade asset a bold choice? As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Knicks pull the trigger on this high-stakes trade. If they do, it could finally bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to New York.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Urged To Acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. After Grizzlies Start Quick Rebuild
Lakers Urged To Acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. After Grizzlies Start Quick Rebuild originally appeared on Fadeaway World. As the Memphis Grizzlies likely pivot into a full-scale rebuild, sending Desmond Bane to Orlando and vaporizing their championship window, one of their cornerstone pieces, Jaren Jackson Jr., is widely expected to become available. The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads: with Anthony Davis offloaded in the February Luka trade, their frontline is vulnerable, and they lack a modern rim protector who can stretch the floor. Advertisement That's why we believe that L.A. should pursue Jackson Jr. aggressively, especially before he hits free agency in 2026. Jackson Jr. represents a nearly plug-and-play solution for L.A. His rare blend of shot-blocking (career 1.9 BPG, including 1.5 BPG last season) and perimeter shooting (.375 3‑point percentage in 2024‑25) makes him one of the few big men capable of matching the pace and skill of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. While the contract situation adds a layer of complexity, particularly his missed All‑NBA nod affecting extension terms, it also creates an opportune moment for the Lakers to strike while Memphis navigates uncertainty. Let's dive into the trade package and how it could play out. Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick Los Angeles Lakers Create A Superteam In The West Acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. (JJJ) gives L.A. a modern, two-way big who can protect the rim and stretch the floor, a perfect complement to LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Jackson averaged 22.2 points and 1.9 blocks per game last season, shooting 37.5% from three on nearly five attempts per game. He's an elite shot-blocker (3.0 BPG in 2022‑23) and has the pick-and-pop ability to space the floor, essential alongside perimeter stars. Advertisement At 6'10" and athletic, Jackson is one of the league's best rim protectors and switchers, earning two All-Defensive First Team nods and the 2022‑23 Defensive Player of the Year. His mobility would allow J.J. Redick to run versatile lineups, three-guard units with Luka and Reaves, plus JJJ patrolling the paint. JJJ is signed through 2025‑26 at an AAV of about $26M, and because he missed All-NBA, he isn't eligible for a supermax, making his next extension seem in reach. The Lakers would need to gift him a max deal next summer, but with potential cap opens (LeBron retirement, etc.), they could bolt down a core of stars through 2028, anchoring their title window. Memphis Grizzlies Cash In On Jackson Jr. Before Free Agency Hits Memphis is in a race against time: JJJ is extension-eligible next summer, but without All-NBA honors, Memphis risks overpaying or losing him via free agency. Trading him before free agency gives the Grizzlies control and ensures they capture value rather than walk away empty-handed. Advertisement In return, after sending Jackson Jr. to L.A., Memphis would receive key veterans: Dorian Finney-Smith (3&D wing), Dalton Knecht (high-upside young guard), Jarred Vanderbilt (rebounding glue guy), and a 2031 first-round pick. Unlike picks-heavy deals, this offers roster balance: veteran contributors alongside future draft capital, speeding the rebuild and maintaining playable depth. With Desmond Bane already dealt for first-round picks, flipping Jackson Jr. allows Memphis to accelerate into a full rebuild. They collect young talent and assets while avoiding the risk of losing him for nothing. Plus, shedding his $26M expiree contract gives salary flexibility, especially since Memphis remains intent on restocking the cupboard. Another Blockbuster Trade Rob Pelinka Can Negotiate For L.A.'s front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is projecting bold intentions with this pursuit. Jackson Jr. would immediately solidify a top-tier Western Conference contender. A trio of LeBron, Luka, JJJ is nearly unprecedented, athletic, versatile, and championship-ready. The move would position the Lakers as immediate title favorites in 2026 and beyond. Advertisement The proposed package, Finney‑Smith, Knecht, Vanderbilt, plus a future pick, shows a balanced exchange. The Lakers part with players who can fill rotation needs elsewhere, protect cap flexibility, and include a late first-rounder. Memphians get rotation players to complement a rebuild front and time-stamped value before the free-agent dash. Jackson Jr.'s contract allows room for Lakers to preserve flexibility for other moves. They avoid tying down too much future money immediately, while also building a foundation to extend him down the line. For Pelinka, this is a multi-year play: acquire JJJ now, extend later, and maintain a competitive core with Luka, Reaves, and select complementary pieces. Related: 4 Most Realistic Destinations For Ja Morant Following Shocking Desmond Bane Trade This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grizzlies Trade Report Drops After Jaren Jackson Jr. Decision
Grizzlies Trade Report Drops After Jaren Jackson Jr. Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Memphis Grizzlies are headlined by stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but they dealt their third-leading scorer this season to the Orlando Magic on Sunday. They turned 26-year-old guard Desmond Bane into four first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Cole Anthony in the NBA's first blockbuster trade since February. Advertisement While stacking draft capital is a rebuilding type of move, the Grizzlies don't want to deal Morant or Jackson, via ESPN's Tim Bontemps. Morant is under contract through 2028, but Jackson is scheduled to hit free agency next summer, and the Grizzlies have already decided they want to extend him. Memphis is working on a way to get financial flexibility for Jackson's extension, via Action Network HQ's Matt Moore. Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7).© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images 'Memphis, I'm told, is hopeful of being able to work out a sign-and-trade for Aldama, but the money is a consideration with their need to clear space for [Jaren Jackson Jr.]'s extension,' he reported. Advertisement Following this, Moore provided some additional clarification. "Of note on the Santi Aldama stuff, he falls in the category of 'they might just be canvassing his value before re-signing/extending,' which a lot of guys fall into," he added on social media. Aldama is a restricted free agent, meaning the Grizzlies can retain him by matching any offer sheet that he signs with another team. The 24-year-old averaged 12.5 points on 48.3 percent shooting (36.8 percent 3 PT) with 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists over 65 games this season. The Utah Jazz drafted Aldama No. 30 overall out of Loyola Maryland in 2021 before Memphis acquired his rights. The seven-foot, 215-pounder averages 9.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting (34.5 percent 3 PT) with 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists across his career. Advertisement Related: Knicks-Grizzlies Trade Report Surfaces After Desmond Bane Move Related: Suns Receive Unfortunate Kevin Durant Report After Grizzlies Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
New York Knicks reportedly interested in trading for former MSU star Jaren Jackson Jr.
New York Knicks reportedly interested in trading for former MSU star Jaren Jackson Jr. A former Michigan State basketball star is reportedly a top target on the trade market for one of the biggest teams in the NBA. Kris Pursiainen of NBA Central is reporting that the New York Knicks are interested in trading for former Michigan State Spartans star Jaren Jackson Jr. According to Pursiainen, the Knicks consider Jackson and Karl-Anthony Towns as a "dream pairing." There has been some chatter over the past few days that the Memphis Grizzlies could trade away Jackson as part of freeing up salary cap space. There was a new report from ESPN on Monday that stated the Grizzlies aren't looking to move the former Spartan but things, of course, could change quickly. Jackson has played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Grizzlies after they drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Jackson has became a star in the NBA, winning Defensive Player of the Year twice and earning an All-Star selection twice in the last three seasons. We will have to keep a close eye on the developments around Jackson as he could be on the move this offseason or could simply remain with the Grizzlies. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
