As the Sixers explore ways to add depth to their roster, one player they’ve inquired on is Knicks power forward Noah Vonleh, a source tells Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News (Twitter link).
Vonleh, the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft, is enjoying a career year in New York after some underwhelming seasons in Charlotte, Portland, and Chicago. In 43 games (26.3 MPG) so far in 2018/19, the former Indiana Hoosier has averaged 8.6 PPG and 8.5 RPG with a .464/.411/.736 shooting line.
Vonleh’s minimum salary contract makes him an even more attractive trade target for rival teams, though he’ll reach unrestricted free agency this summer. The Knicks will only hold Vonleh’s Non-Bird rights, meaning they’d likely have to use cap room or an exception to re-sign him in July. As such, New York may be motivated to move him now rather than risk losing him for nothing, especially if the team can get an asset or two in return.
As for the Sixers, they remain on the lookout for frontcourt depth after moving Dario Saric and Robert Covington to Minnesota in the Jimmy Butler blockbuster. A player like Vonleh could be a good fit for the club, given his ability to space the floor by making the occasional three-pointer.
In addition to controlling all their own future first-round picks and Miami’s unprotected 2021 first-rounder, the 76ers hold at least three second-round picks for each year through 2021, giving them plenty of flexibility in trade talks for roster upgrades.
The big problem here is will the Knicks be ok with trading Vonleh to a division rival
The Knicks would be wise to trade any of their spare parts for the best offer available.
Would he fit on Celts for possibly either
A-Gershan Yabusele and a future 2nd
B- For the Celts own 1st round pick around #25 . Vonleh is a Boston kid who would like to play for home town team and could bring rebounding and toughness. The Celts have possibly four #1 this year in Draft
In order to be a rival, don’t both teams need to be on an even playing field? Just because they occupy the same space, does not make them rivals. Bears and squirrels both live in the forest, but they are not rivals.
The Knicks can get the Bulls 2nd rounder from the Sixers and STILL sign Vonleh this summer. And Vonleh could leave the Knicks at the end of the season for the Sixers – on his own – and the Knicks would get nothing.
Stop being a HATER and use your brain.
The Knicks aren’t competitive. They’ll trade with the highest bidder.
I’m a Knicks fan (I also lived in Philly for 30 years and my mom and her family are all from Philly). If I’m a Sixers’ fan, I would definitely pick up Vonleh and Courtney Lee from the Knicks. Give us some expiring contracts, the Bulls 2nd round pick and a second 2nd rounder and we good.
Vonleh does a great job guard Antekopjnowzipko. And Lee is a proven 3 and D veteran who can guard 3 positions. Vonleh can guard all 5 positions and has excellent ball handling skills for a big guy. It’ll just cost you a couple 2nd rounders.
Lol did you purposely misspell his name? I like it though haha! Has a comedic effect.
Good trade partner for the Knicks, take back Amir Johnson who has done nothing this year but also meets the Knicks desire to preserve cap space, and likely be able to land two 2nds (2019 and 2020)
Lee and Vonleh would be VERY helpful to the Sixers in the playoffs.
Logically, it makes sense to trade him if there’s real value coming back, as their ability to resign him next year is the technically the same whether they retain or trade him this year.
But I think a trade is less than 50/50 to happen because, with the Knicks right now, perception matters. Vonleh is the one (certain) successful reclamation project in Fiz World this year, and Fiz lets everyone know about it weekly. Trading him will expose the fact that, as with Trier, the Knicks didn’t think ahead (contractually) before undertaking the project. If they lose him because they sign a max FA (and the room exception is insufficient), it will be a detail. Otherwise, they’ll resign him and it goes down in their win column.
I don’t think it matters that he is the successful Fiz project, they’re 10-33, and value trumps image at this point.
Not to you. Or me either. But I’m not part of the inept FO who didn’t tack an option year on his contract if he made the team. Image aside, it really depends on Vonleh’s mindset right now. If he’s willing to come back for the room exception amount, then I’d keep him. Otherwise, put him out to bid, and revisit him in the summer when he’s a UFA.
If 6ers want a PF that fulfills their current needs, (and I hate to be saying this) Jabari Parker is a better fit.
Bah. Parker doesn’t play defense. Giannis would eat him up. Vonleh is a much better match.
One thing to consider… Noah Vonleh isn’t playing 26 minutes on the Sixers. Bolden over the last 10 games per 36: 11.9 PTs 9.9 TRB 35 3P% 1.4 BLK which is basically what you’re getting from Vonleh per 36, but he’s shooting the best he’s ever shot as a pro from 3 at 41%.
There will be free “stretch” 4 options available on the BO market…. ZBO (34.7%) Carroll (35.6%) Green (36.8%) Dedmon (36%). Hell I’d rather take Melo, if I’m looking for straight scoring and you could trade Amir straight up.
Sixers need two things before the playoffs, which basically every team is looking for – Wing Defender, Stretch 4. Stanley Johnson could be had for a bag of beans. He’s a plus defender. If one the aforementioned becomes available via before the deadline, I can see both Muscala & Amir on the way out.
Still wouldn’t rule out a blockbuster trade for Kevin Love (Chandler, Muscala, Fultz) or even Blake Griffin (Chandler, Muscala, Fultz, 2019 1st, 2 2nd round picks)
Vonleh is playing great defense this year. He can play Giannis. I don’t think Bolden can. Can he?
Would he fit on Celts for possibly either
A-Gershan Yabusele and a future 2nd
B- For the Celts own 1st round pick around #25 . Vonleh is a Boston kid who would like to play for home town team and could bring rebounding and toughness.