New York weighing Mikal Bridges in bold trade to pair KAT with defensive ace Jackson Jr.

The New York Knicks could be on the verge of making one of the most ambitious roster overhauls in recent franchise history. According to league insiders, the front office is weighing the possibility of moving Mikal Bridges — the defensive workhorse they acquired earlier this year — in a blockbuster trade designed to unite Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) with Jaren Jackson Jr., forming one of the most intriguing frontcourt duos in the NBA.

The rumored framework would send Bridges to a rival team in exchange for draft capital and rotational pieces, which could then be flipped to land Towns and Jackson Jr. While the logistics are complex, the motivation is clear: New York wants a superstar scoring big in KAT to complement Julius Randle’s offensive firepower, while Jackson Jr.’s defensive versatility could give the Knicks a true rim-protecting anchor.

Trading Bridges would be no small decision. Since joining the Knicks, he’s been a defensive tone-setter and an ironman, rarely missing games and often guarding the opponent’s best scorer. His presence has given New York a level of perimeter defensive consistency they haven’t had in years. But the allure of pairing Towns’ elite shooting with Jackson Jr.’s shot-blocking is hard to ignore.

This potential move also signals that the Knicks are fully committed to chasing a championship now, even at the expense of some of their long-term stability. KAT would bring an All-NBA caliber offensive skill set to Madison Square Garden, while Jackson Jr., the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, could transform the team’s interior defense overnight.

Still, there are risks. Towns has battled injuries in recent years, and Jackson Jr. has faced foul trouble issues throughout his career. Losing Bridges could also leave a significant hole in New York’s perimeter defense, putting more pressure on younger players and role guys to step up.

For Knicks fans, the rumor represents both excitement and anxiety. If Leon Rose and the front office can pull this off without gutting the roster too deeply, the Knicks could be looking at one of the most balanced — and dangerous — starting fives in the league.

For now, the league waits to see whether New York’s bold vision turns into reality, or if Bridges remains a cornerstone of the Knicks’ defensive identity.