The New York Knicks could be among the major players in the trade market, with the team looking to further established itself as contenders in the East.
The Knicks are steadily on pace for a postseason run, with the team positioned at the upper half of the Eastern Conference standings. The starting core of Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis may have finally starting to jell well, but there is still a need for the Knicks to improve on the defensive end if they wish to be more consistent in winning games.
The Knicks rank 18th in the league in Defensive Rating, having an efficiency rate of 102.4 opponent's points allowed per 100 possession. However, the Knicks are also allowing 107.1 points per game, including 44.2 points allowed inside the paint.
Adding a defensive big man would help shore up the team's interior defense, and one of the potential targets New York could consider is Nerlens Noel, according to Maxwell Ogden of Sports Illustrated's Fansided.
Many still believe it could only be a matter of time before the Philadelphia 76ers move Noel as part of the team's efforts in addressing their crowded frontcourt. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders claimed that Noel is the guy Philadelphia would move before the deadline.
With Porzingis already the offensive cog in the Knicks' frontcourt, Noel could focus on what he can do best: rebounding and protecting the rim. Not only would the Knicks acquire a young rim-protector, but more importantly, his presence would immediately improve New York's game on the defensive end.
However, what makes the trade an unlikely scenario is the Knicks' lack of assets to make a move.
Surely the 76ers would want a reliable playmaker in exchange for Noel, but the Knicks won't probably entertain the idea of trading away Brandon Jennings or Derrick Rose, who are both performing well in New York. Nevertheless, keep in mind that Jennings and Rose are on expiring deals, and trading them could still be on the table if the Knicks fail to enter the playoff picture.
The Knicks' level of interest in trading for Noel is unclear. With the way things are going for the team, any potential deal involving key players could be off the table. But if the Knicks could pry out Noel from Philadelphia by offering the likes of Justin Holiday or Lance Thomas, it is a deal worth exploring for the Knicks.
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