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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 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after the Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Hawks won 108-107. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after the Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Hawks won 108-107. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Helping Joakim Noah

This may be an unorthodox reason, but Joakim Noah still has game left in him. That much is clear in the fact that he’s averaging 14.2 rebounds, 5.7 offensive rebounds, and 3.7 assists per 36 minutes, and is struggling in uncharacteristic ways.

For instance: Noah had a career free throw percentage of .716 entering 2015-16, but has accumulated a mark of .455 over the past two seasons.

The fact that Noah’s free throw shooting has declined so severely is a sign of how shaken his confidence is.

New York is locked into a four-year contract with Noah. It can either hope for brief glimpses of glory or give him more than just the offseason to rediscover his confidence and reinvent his game.

By trading for Serge Ibaka, the Knicks would allow Noah to take time off and focus on finding his place within the system.

The best approach may be to simply play Willy Hernangomez and Kyle O’Quinn, but neither have proven capable of helping the Knicks make the playoffs this year. By adding Ibaka, the Knicks’ postseason odds would immediately improve.

Noah needs to take a step back, evaluate his game, and determine how he can best help the Knicks. He has the work ethic to make the necessary changes once he gains perspective.

Must Read: The playoffs are still within reach

If New York’s goal is to make the playoffs this season, then Ibaka could be the rational trade target.

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