The New York Knicks could target disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel before this season's trade deadline, according to the latest NBA trade rumors.

New York is having a decent season as the team is currently tied with the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls for fourth place in the East with a 13-10 record. However, the expectations are high for the Knicks since they acquired Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Courtney Lee in the offseason.

Like Us on Facebook

With that, rumors have emerged that the Knicks are looking to further re-tool their roster in midseason and a potential trade to acquire Noel from Philadelphia is in the works.

Fansided suggested that New York could offer Philly a perimeter player in exchange for Noel as the Sixers are reportedly trying to balance their roster.

With the NBA debut of Joel Embiid, Philadelphia now has three starting-caliber young centers who need to be developed.

Sixers head coach Brett Brown recently acknowledged that he will have a difficult time figuring out how to give Noel, Embiid, and Jahlil Okafor the playing time they need to individually reach their full potentials, which led to more rumors that either Noel of Okafor will be dealt anytime soon.

Noel would be a solid frontcourt partner for Kristaps Porzingis and can be the rim protector that the Knicks have been looking for all these years. A starting lineup of Noel, Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, Lee, and Rose would potentially be one of the most daunting in the league if it pushes through.

Earlier this month, HNGN reported a three-team deal that would send Noel to the Knicks, Ricky Rubio to the Sixers, and Joakim Noah to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wolves head coach Tom Thibodeau reportedly wants to have some of his former players to play in Minnesota right now and Noah is one of his most trusted players when he was still in Chicago. Thibodeau is also said to be willing to trade Rubio to achieve his goals.

Rubio can be the veteran point guard that the Sixers are looking for to guide their young big men, yet he is also still young enough to grow with the roster to possibly become an Eastern Conference force in the future.

The three-team trade will reportedly benefit all teams involved in terms of fulfilling their plans and getting the ideal fit for their respective rosters in return.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2016, Nerlens Noel, philadelphia 76ers, new york knicks