NY Knicks: Is Nerlens Noel the key to a Collin Sexton trade?
By James Ryder
NY Knicks Would Nerlens Noel be interested in this sign-and-trade?
The only potential wrench to be thrown into this deal would be Noel not having interest in being involved. Because Noel is a free agent this summer, he can pursue any number of landing spots.
Noel, as alluded to, will have several teams interested in him. It remains to be seen which teams if any will be willing to offer him a more lucrative deal and/or the chance to be a full-time starter. Noel has been a backup at nearly every stop he’s made in the NBA, but perhaps his performance in New York presents him a bigger opportunity elsewhere.
Personally, I think the deal in this trade scenario that Noel would agree to is as much as he is worth and isn’t far off from what most teams will offer him in free agency. The $8 million he would earn each year is more than what he made with the Knicks this year, and it is a number that you can justify paying a bench player of Noel’s talents. But, even if that is the case, Noel may not be interested in joining a Cavaliers team that has Jarrett Allen solidified as the starter. He can even be more satisfied with a backup role for a team that looks to be more successful the Cleveland is projected to be next season.
For all we know, Noel can get a bigger offer from a team desperate for help at the position (I’m looking at you Charlotte, and Toronto), and would deny a sign-and-trade with the NY Knicks and Cavs without hesitation. Even a team like the Brooklyn Nets, who are rumored to be potential partners for Noel, may be attractive enough a destination despite their lack of funds. Where Brooklyn lacks in cap space, they are littered with rotation minutes and an opportunity to win a lot of games and pursue a championship.
Wherever Noel’s desire’s lead him, the Knicks should be inclined to consider using Noel in a sign-and-trade scenario and take advantage of his all-time high value. This specific trade scenario would instantly solve some of New York’s biggest problems. This deal would prove to be a creative route for the Knicks to take to land Sexton and another key rotation piece while holding onto some of their other assets.