Rob Goldberg of Bleacher Report has taken a look at what the team has left to accomplish to make a run at the Eastern Conference playoffs, despite having little room left under the salary cap. Even without the cash to add another player, it appears Jackson could pull the trigger on a trade to get the depth he feels is needed.
The Ringer has reported that New York is one of a handful of teams that could make a deal with Philadelphia to acquire Jahlil Okafor. The 76ers are loaded in the front court and speculation has management looking to move the youngster for help in the backcourt and with possible draft picks.
At 6’11”, the 20-year-old is poised to play some great basketball over the next decade and his age and skill set are a perfect complement to the veteran group already in place with the Knicks.
Okafor averaged over 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds per game last year in Philly, great numbers for his first year in the league, but put him together with a group that knows how to play at the NBA level and magic could happen.
There’s been plenty of speculation surrounding the youngster in recent weeks, including rumors he could play in Boston or Toronto, but with Jackson knowing the window of opportunity with his squad is limited — Carmelo Anthony isn’t getting any younger — pulling this deal out of his hat would not only help in the 2016-17 NBA season, it would setup the franchise long-term, creating excitement with the fans and getting a new face of the franchise when Anthony hangs up his sneakers.
