Could the New York Knicks pair center Karl-Anthony Towns with former NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner Jaren Jackson Jr.?

The Grizzlies have had some elite defenders on their roster in the past, having several elite rim protectors throughout their history.

Games between the Warriors and Grizzlies mean a premier point guard matchup between Ja Morant and Steph Curry. The two stars will first lead their teams into an Oct. 27 meeting at Golden State. The Grizzlies and Warriors will play again at Golden State on Feb. 9 before a nationally televised ESPN matchup on Feb. 25 inside FedExForum.

Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. reflects on Desmond Bane trade to Orlando Magic and his new leadership role.

In this NBA Mock Trade, the Grizzlies press the reset button and send Ja Morant to Toronto in exchange for an IQ package.

Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies since being selected fourth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Known for his elite shot-blocking and timely defensive plays, Jackson has earned multiple All-Star selections and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

After seven seasons playing as No. 13 in Memphis — and winning Defensive Player of the Year, being a two-time All-Star — Jaren Jackson Jr. wanted a change. That’s why he is switching to the No. 8 for this season, and he talked to Rohan Nadkarni of NBC News and Mary Omatiga of NBC Sports (the video above) about it.

While Memphis doesn't have many games overall, it has a stretch where it can put the league on notice. Six of the Grizzlies' nationally televised games will take place from Jan. 15 through Feb. 25. That includes two games in Europe against the Orlando Magic, plus matchups against the Warriors and Denver Nuggets.

The Grizzlies are set to make history this season with their first-ever games in Europe, as part of a schedule that puts them in the national spotlight.