As the NBA trade deadline approaches, teams around the league are looking to make moves to either bolster their rosters for a playoff push or retool for the future. One player who is gaining attention in trade rumors is New York Knicks backup center Jericho Sims. While Sims may not be a household name like some of his more high-profile teammates, he has shown flashes of promise and could be an attractive trade asset for teams in need of depth in the frontcourt.
Sims, 24, is a 6-foot-9 center known for his athleticism, rebounding ability, and shot-blocking prowess. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, he signed a two-way contract with the Knicks, eventually earning a standard deal due to his strong play in the G League and the limited opportunities in New York’s rotation. While he has yet to establish himself as a full-time starter for the Knicks, his potential as a backup big man has intrigued rival teams, making him a possible target as the trade deadline draws closer.
Jericho Sims’ Role with the Knicks
In New York, Sims has primarily served as a backup to the Knicks’ starting center, Mitchell Robinson. Robinson, one of the best rim protectors in the league, has cemented his place as the team’s starting center, while Sims has carved out a role as a defensive-minded, energy-bringing backup. Though Sims has averaged just 10-15 minutes per game during his tenure with the Knicks, he has made an impact in limited minutes.
Sims is known for his hustle on the boards, especially on the offensive glass. His 7-foot-4 wingspan and high motor make him a formidable presence in the paint. This ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create second-chance opportunities on offense has earned him praise from Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, who values grit and effort above all else. On defense, Sims has shown an ability to protect the rim, although his raw skills still need refinement in terms of positioning and awareness.
However, Sims’ role with the Knicks has been somewhat limited due to the team’s deep frontcourt rotation. With Robinson and Julius Randle often commanding the majority of minutes in the frontcourt, Sims has been relegated to spot minutes, often seeing time only when either of the starters is in foul trouble or resting. This limited opportunity for growth may be one of the reasons that rival teams are increasingly expressing interest in him as the trade deadline nears.
Why Teams Are Interested in Sims
Though Sims hasn’t been a major contributor on offense, his defensive attributes have drawn the attention of teams looking to bolster their interior defense. The NBA is increasingly becoming a league where versatility and athleticism are highly valued, and Sims fits that mold. His combination of size, length, and explosive leaping ability makes him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a backup center or a rim protector.
Several contending teams, especially those looking for frontcourt depth, are said to be interested in Sims. Teams with playoff aspirations may be seeking a backup big who can provide energy and defense off the bench without demanding the ball on offense. Sims’ ability to step in and defend opposing bigs or provide additional rim protection could make him a valuable asset for teams looking to strengthen their playoff rotations.
Additionally, Sims is on a relatively affordable contract. For the 2023-24 season, he is earning a little over $1.7 million, a figure that would be easy for most teams to absorb into their salary cap or trade exceptions. This makes Sims an attractive option for teams looking to make a deal without taking on a significant financial burden.
Potential Trade Destinations
While it’s unclear which teams are actively pursuing Sims, there are a few that would be logical destinations based on their current roster needs.
- Milwaukee Bucks: The defending NBA champions could benefit from another backup center to spell Brook Lopez. While Lopez remains one of the most elite shot blockers in the league, adding Sims could give the Bucks more depth at the five, especially in matchups where Lopez might be at a disadvantage. Sims could thrive as a defensive-minded backup behind Lopez.
- Miami Heat: With Bam Adebayo anchoring the defense, the Heat could use a backup big man who can protect the rim and provide a spark off the bench. Sims’ athleticism and shot-blocking would complement Adebayo’s versatility and allow for more flexibility in the frontcourt rotation.
- Phoenix Suns: The Suns are in need of a rim protector and backup center behind Deandre Ayton. With Ayton often facing double-teams and physicality from opposing bigs, adding Sims would give the Suns an energy player who can guard the rim and provide additional rebounding.
- Dallas Mavericks: Dallas has been looking to bolster their frontcourt depth, and Sims could be an ideal fit in a backup role behind Christian Wood. The Mavericks have struggled at times with their defense in the paint, and Sims could help alleviate some of those concerns with his shot-blocking ability.
- Sacramento Kings: The Kings are an emerging playoff team, and adding depth to their frontcourt could push them to the next level. Sims’ ability to protect the rim and provide energy off the bench could make him a good fit behind Domantas Sabonis and in rotations alongside rookie Keegan Murray.
The Knicks’ Perspective
From the Knicks’ perspective, trading Sims could make sense if they’re looking to address other areas of their roster. With a glut of talent in the frontcourt, particularly with the emergence of young players like Obi Toppin, the Knicks may be open to moving Sims for the right price. The team has a solid core, but the trade deadline is an opportunity to make a move that could improve their overall depth, particularly on the wing or in the backcourt.
Additionally, if the Knicks are looking to create more opportunities for their younger players, trading Sims might open up more minutes for other bigs like Isaiah Hartenstein or even give Toppin more time at power forward.
Conclusion
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Jericho Sims is emerging as a potential trade chip for the New York Knicks. With his defensive abilities and affordable contract, Sims could provide valuable depth for teams looking to shore up their frontcourt rotations. While he may not be a star player, his combination of size, athleticism, and energy makes him an intriguing option for teams in need of a backup big man. For the Knicks, it’s a matter of balancing their current roster and determining if Sims can contribute more to their long-term plans or if he can be used as part of a deal to strengthen the team in other areas. As the deadline draws nearer, all eyes will be on Sims and whether or not he will be part of a trade that shapes the second half of the season.
