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Knicks Trade Rumors: Serge Ibaka Could Be The Answer To New York’s Woes

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) reacts and celebrates against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) reacts and celebrates against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 31, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) reacts as he dunks during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated New York Knicks 117-101. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O’Quinn (9) reacts as he dunks during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated New York Knicks 117-101. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Logjam Down Low

Kristaps Porzingis would be guaranteed his 33.4 minutes per game and Serge Ibaka would likely receive a solid 30-plus. The development of Willy Hernangomez would also be a priority, thus ensuring him between 15 and 22 minutes per game.

Joakim Noah is signed to a four-year deal worth $72 million, however, and Kyle O’Quinn has been far too solid to exclude.

Hernangomez and O’Quinn have played well enough to warrant the belief that they represent the future at center. They’ve produced individually, impacted the team in a positive manner, and seem to have strong chemistry with the starters.

Between their immediate contributions, as well as Hernangomez’s upside and O’Quinn’s locker room value, it’ll be important to provide that duo with playing time.

That would work out well if it were a four-man rotation, but Noah is the X-Factor here. He’s making $18 million per season, and while basketball decisions shouldn’t be based on salary, there are still three more seasons on his deal.

Troubling as this all may be, when a team has a chance to land a talent like Ibaka, you do it and worry about the rotation later.

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