New York Knicks Receive: C Mo Bamba
Orlando Magic Receive: C Nerlens Noel, 2022 First-Round Pick
The New York Knicks do not have a need to add talent at the center position in a vacuum. However, with Julius Randle being a pivotal franchise cornerstone, the team needs to do what it can to optimize the roster around him in meaningful ways.
One of the current limitations the Knicks face in the supporting cast is the lack of floor spacing options at the five spot to complement Randle. He has a size and strength advantage against most matchups playing the floor but if there’s a player clogging the lane, it reduces the impact.
Opening the lane up with a stretch-five option like Mo Bamba could be an intriguing option for the Knicks. He’s shown an ability to step out and hit shots in addition to his overall potential as a player.
The Orlando Magic, on the other hand, needs to be in a mode of gathering as many assets as possible. There isn’t a clear-cut talent they are building around but Wendell Carter Jr. appears to be higher on the list at the center position than Bamba.
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Landing Nerlens Noel in return for Bamba along with what likely is to be a late first-round pick would be a solid haul for the Magic to part with their former top 10 pick.
This trade couldn’t be done for another week, as Noel’s recently signed restriction expires on November 7th. How would this hypothetical deal impact both teams? Let’s take a look at it from each of their perspectives, starting with the Knicks.
