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New York Knicks Rumors: Jahlil Okafor Talk Overblown

By Maurice Moton

Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) compete for a loose ball during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) compete for a loose ball during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have an interest in trading Jahlil Okafor, but the move to the New York Knicks doesn’t make sense.

New York Knicks rumors float around the interwebs and social media frequently.

What’s the latest rumor that everyone’s buzzing about online? The Philadelphia 76ers trading center Jahlil Okafor to the Knicks for forward Kyle O’Quin and a first-round pick.

Let’s start from the beginning.

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According to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey via CSNNE.com, the Sixers will likely deal Okafor or Nerlens Noel to solve their frontcourt logjam. The team cleared center Joel Embiid for five-on-five scrimmages, and he’ll utilize the summer to work on his conditioning, per Sixers’ assistant coach Lloyd Pierce (h/t Philly.com).

The Sixers don’t need three seven-footers playing center, which means a trade for a guard in the backcourt.

The Ringer’s Jonathan Tjarks likely started the Knicks rumor about Okafor. After all, Bill Simmons garners respect within the sports media industry. As a result, anything appearing on his site will spread through social media like wildfire.

Tjarks suggested the proposed Knicks’ trade discussed above:

"The Knicks could ease Okafor into a role behind Joakim Noah, and he would completely dismantle smaller big men on opposing second units. They don’t have much in the way of assets for the 76ers to acquire, but they could send Kyle O’Quinn to make the trade’s salary numbers work and give up a future first-round pick."

The trade proposal sounds excellent for New York, and it’ll rile up the fans thinking about the possibilities. But, how does this make sense for Philadelphia?

The Sixers already have an excess of frontcourt assets. Why would they trade away one of their talented bigs for a less-talented 6’10” power forward and a draft pick? Philadelphia has already played the lottery game with former general manager Sam Hinkie, why would his replacement, Bryan Colangelo, go down the same road?

Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) celebrates during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 119-113 in double overtime
Jan 18, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) celebrates during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 119-113 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

With that deal on the table, the Sixers should be able to pull the trigger on a better offer with a guard involved. Consider the Phoenix Suns as a viable trade partner. Devin Booker has impressed, and he’s not expected to play any more summer league games, per Arizona Republic reporter Paul Coro. Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe currently hold starting backcourt positions.

Before we start creating memes with Okafor donning a Knicks’ jersey, let’s think about the technicalities and what it means for Philadelphia, who’s starving for guard play. With Ben Simmons’ court vision and passing ability, the Sixers need a consistent knock-down shooter, not a role player at the 4-spot, who shoots a below 28 percent from three-point land.

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Does this trade benefit the other side? Would you consider letting go of Okafor, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 draft, for a future first-round pick and O’Quinn?

If the answer is an absolutely no to both questions, then Colangelo would likely agree. Sorry to burst fantasy bubbles, but Okafor isn’t coming to New York.

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