The Sixer Sense
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Will Karma Steer Kristaps Porzingis to Philadelphia 76ers?

By Bret Stuter

Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles against Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles against Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the first quarter between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the first quarter between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Locker room fireworks

If the team does not trade Porzingis, conventional wisdom would conclude the team will not select Lauri Markannen at eight.  Doing that undermines Jackson’s authority, does nothing to reconcile with Porzingis, and creates horrible locker room dynamics.

But if Jackson picks Markannen at eight, the team dynamics are even worse. Players will be forced to choose between Team Jackson and Team Porzingis.   That won’t work either.  The only true “out” for the current situation is to bite the bullet and accept the best bid possible.

Package, for Mr. Jackson!

If the Philadelphia 76ers package Jahlil Okafor, Shawn Long, and a future first with heavy protections that converts to two second round picks, the Knicks may be forced to accept the terms. And why not? Okafor is a starter, Long could take starting minutes until the team felt comfortable with Markannen, and the picks could vary in number as long as the 76ers protect the 1st pick rights in any draft.

Will Knicks fans like these trade terms? No. But they would not like any trade terms at this point.  The return is not going to be at or above value. It will be the best bid on the table, and the Knicks would be foolish not to take it.