Grizzlies perfect offer for Karl-Anthony Towns as Knicks stumble

After a promising start, including winning the NBA Cup, New York Knicks they suddenly found themselves in quicksand. They have lost four straight games, going 2-9 in their last 11 assignments.

Amidst the slump and the fast-approaching trade deadline, the Knicks are getting louder and louder to shop around Karl-Anthony Towns. While the talented center remained productive, averaging 21.0 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists, his alignment with the team and defensive deficiencies reportedly made him expendable.

It doesn’t help that he was publicly called out coach Mike Brownwhich is the first time in the Knicks.

According to Newsday’s Steve Popper, citing league sources, The Memphis Grizzlies are interested in acquiring Towns. The Grizzlies could be an ideal partner for the Knicks, as they have plenty of assets to offer.

The perfect trade offer from the Memphis Grizzlies for Karl-Anthony Towns

With the Ja Morant era seemingly at an end, the Grizzlies are eager to reboot and build a different culture — one unencumbered by off-the-field issues, bragging rights and internal strife.

30 year old Cities could be a central part of the plan. He has rarely been involved in controversy, has a positive personality and seems to be well-liked by his teammates. He also doesn’t need a spotlight focused on him all the time.

The Grizzlies could offer the Knicks a package Jaren Jackson Jr., GG Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Towns and Landry Shamet. Ja Morant is obviously another option, but the Knicks may not want to touch him, especially with Jalen Brunson already in the lineup.

JJ will be an upgrade on the defensive end for the Knicks, and he’s a guy Brown could love as a defensive-minded coach. Plus, he’s a decent scorer, averaging over 18 points over the past four seasons. He also improved his three-point shooting, possibly replicating what Towns brought to the Knicks.

Moreover, Jackson is only 26 years old. He probably hasn’t reached his peak yet. While his numbers may dip a bit against the Knicks, his efficiency could reach optimal levels. Brown could play Jackson with Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby/Mikal Bridges, forming a fortress in the frontcourt.

GGJ and KCP, meanwhile, will add two-way firepower to the Knicks. They could come off the bench and provide energy for the second unit. They are strong defenders on the ball and could serve as disruptors. While some might argue that they would be redundant with Jordan Clarkson and Myles McBride, you can never have too much talent. Plus, Caldwell-Pope can provide veteran leadership.

Karl-Anthony Towns on the Memphis Grizzlies

Cities should easily be the hotbed of offense if he joins the Grizzlies. The team is in dire need of a nightly scoring threat, and the three-time All-NBA has proven he can get buckets.

Currently the best scorer of Memphis is Jackson with 18.8 points. Simply put, it won’t cut it. With KAT, the Grizzlies will have a legitimate anchor on offense while also helping spread the word for Morant, Cedric Coward and Jalen Wells.

In addition to Jackson, Memphis has Zach Eddy and Jock Landale in its big man rotation. But it’s safe to assume that they really don’t strike fear into the hearts of opponents, especially in attack. They are more role players than foundational pieces.

While Towns may not immediately lift the Grizzlies this season, the front office could build a roster around him for the immediate future. With coach Tuomas Iisalo willing to experiment, Memphis could surround KAT with shooters and playmakers to optimize his talent.

Morant might even get his base back if he has a fellow star who goes to war with him.

The next few days will be intriguing for the Knicks and Grizzlies.