What Would It Take To Make This Deal Happen?
In order for this deal to happen, the Philadelphia 76ers may need to be flexible as to which center is included. If the Knicks want a rim-protecting center, then the obvious choice is Nerlens Noel. If the Knicks want a big bodied center who can hold his own in the paint, then the obvious choice is Jahlil Okafor.
But Noel is on the last year of his contract. Okafor is available through 2019. And so, each player will require a different trade package altogether.
For Noel, the price would be less, simply because there would be fewer moving pieces. In this scenario, the 76ers would trade Noel to the Knicks. In return, the Philadelphia 76ers would likely seek compensation in the form of draft picks
However, if the Knicks prefer Jahlil Okafor, that changes the dynamics of the deal entirely. That would force the 76ers to assume the very unenviable contract of Joakim Noah, and that salary dump is a first round pick value. Let’s see how that looks:
While this deal looks rather one-sided, keep in mind that Noah’s contract is a 72,590,000 deal that lasts until 2020. Dumping that much salary will cost the 2017 first round pick.
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In the end, if the Knicks want to get into the playoffs, they only have a limited time to change that roster. If they are motivated to do so, they know that the 76ers will take their call.