Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant‘s future in Memphis is undoubtedly in question. Nevertheless, Jalen Brunson is already cemented as New York’s franchise point guard. Thus, the Knicks have far more of a need for big man Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time block champion with a career scoring average of 18.5 points per game. The problem is that to Jackson, they’d have to convince the Grizzlies that trading him for an older player who’s less effective on defense is a smart move. The only way they could do that is by convincing Memphis that Towns being twice the rebounder and a more pronounced scorer makes up the difference.
Orlando Magic
Because of the unspoken tug-of-war between Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, one of them could be traded sooner rather than later. Both are under-25 and have shown themselves capable of being the No. 1 option for a playoff-bound team. However, there are subtle differences between them. 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds, Banchero is more of a physical and natural scorer than Wagner. Yet, the 6-foot-10 and 220-pound Wagner is more fluid at both ends of the court. For the Knicks, the latter could be the more sensible choice simply because he’s more reliable defensively.
Charlotte Hornets
Similar to Morant, Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball may not be with his current franchise much longer. Unlike Morant, Ball has enough length (6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan) to conceivably play on the wing. To that point, as a point-forward, he may be able to get his touches without stepping on Brunson’s toes. Even so, that’s far too theoretical for New York at this juncture. So, instead of Ball, it’s likely Miles Bridges who would be involved. A hybrid forward who’s a much more lithe athlete than Towns, he alters the on-court geometry both horizontally and vertically.
