The Sixer Sense
Fansided

A Philadelphia New York trade proposal

By Daniel Stets

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 15: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks wipes sweat from his arm during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on January 15, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 15: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks wipes sweat from his arm during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on January 15, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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This is part six of my series, where I make the Philadelphia 76ers do a fake trade with every team in the NBA. Today’s trade will be with the New York Knicks

If Phil Jackson was still with the team, I would know exactly which player to target. Kristaps Porzingis, the dynamic power forward for the Knicks, was frequently discussed in trade scenarios. However, now that Phil Jackson is no longer with the Knicks, these trade rumors have died off. It’s a shame, because Porzingis and Embiid would’ve made a great pairing. But the reality is Porzingis doesn’t appear to be available anymore, and even if he was he probably wouldn’t have been a target for the Philadelphia 76ers, due to Simmons playing his position.

Carmelo Anthony would be an awesome addition to the Sixers. However, his contract is massive, which would make it impossible for Philadelphia to void Covington’s final year on his contract, then extend him to a long term deal. Courtney Lee has multiple years left in the 12 million range, so he doesn’t make sense either.

Why Philadelphia does it: This isn’t the first time I’ve traded Jahlil Okafor in this exercise. The problem is, it’s hard to come up with a trade that makes sense for both sides in a lot of these scenarios. Philadelphia acquires another cheap back up big man as insurance for Embiid. O’Quinn has a player option for a little over four million dollars next year. That’s not a ton of money by NBA standards, but with the big man market so saturated, he may opt in. However, I feel it’s safe to assume Philadelphia could move him to a contender like San Antonio for a fake draft pick if they really needed too. Picking up a future second, no matter how bad the pick is, is always good too.

Related Story: 5 places where Jahlil Okafor could find success

Why New York does it: If Jahlil Okafor is going to succeed in the NBA, it’s going to have to be with a stretch four that can protect the rim. So basically, if Jahlil Okafor is going to succeed in the NBA, it’s going to have to be with a player like Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis is the perfect player to pair with Okafor.

Also, for some reason, Okafor seems to play really well at MSG. (or maybe he just plays well against the Knicks). In four games against the Knicks, he averaged 20.0 points per game on 58.2 percent true shooting. Philadelphia needs to move Okafor. If the Knicks are willing to pay this small price for Okafor, they can have him. Maybe Okafor’s career can be revived in New York. If not, then they can choose to not expertise his option next summer.

Next: A Sixers/Suns trade proposal

There is little risk for New York.