The latest round of NBA trade rumors had the New York Knicks trading for Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers. What are the REAL chances of that happening?
The rumor started from Sports Blog in an auspicious report filled with bold claims.
"Knicks should be looking to accumulate as much talent as possible. Okafor can be had at a discounted price because the Sixers have nowhere to play him. The Knicks can offer Justin Holiday and a 1st round pick or Kyle O'Quinn with a 1st round pick. Fans maybe thinking, here we go again, as the Knicks could trade another 1st round pick," the article stated.
Interestingly, the Knicks just signed Joakim Noah to a long-term contract. Noah was one of the league's top centers but he had a bad season with the Chicago Bulls. But the insider rumors about dissent within the Bulls organization may have placed his regression in a different context.
As the rumor gets spread along, by sites like Parent Herald and Morning Ledger, there have been talks about a Porzingis and Okafor tandem.
Will it really work? Back in July, the idea was explored by The Daily Knicks, also with bold claims.
"Okafor has the potential to become a franchise player. He has been often compared to a young Tim Duncan because of his footwork and his ability to play in the low post," the article stated. "Alongside Kristaps Porzingis, they would be the future of the Knicks, assuming they can remain healthy and improve their skills. This is why the Knicks should arrange a package deal to entice the 76ers to complete the trade."
Will Kristaps Porzingis even approve of this? The sophomore is not keen on pushing his weight around but he is aware of where he stands right now. "Porzingod" will play with anyone, even the player who took his draft place.
The verdict is still a resounding "no" though. Even if the Knicks justify a frontline led by Joakim Noah, Jahlil Okafor and Kristaps Porzingis on a team coached by Jeff Hornacek, him of the three point guard lineup, the other question is whether they can actually get him.
The Sixers have been choosy for Okafor, demanding the third overall pick for him from Boston. They don't need Kyle O' Quinn and they could get better players than Justin Holiday.
Simply put, a trade sending Jahlil Okafor to the New York Knicks is not happening this summer.