One NBA writer is proposing that the New York Knicks try to trade for Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid this offseason.
Our own James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network proposed that the Knicks send Mitchell Robinson, Derrick Rose, Obi Toppin and seven future draft picks to the Sixers for Embiid.
“The Knicks are acquiring the reigning MVP. What more needs to be said? This deal makes them instant title contenders,” Piercey wrote. “If he’s on the trade market, the Knicks should go all-in to pursue him. By contrast, the 76ers don’t do this deal unless Embiid forces their hand. They’d prefer to hang onto their MVP. That may not be an option. If Embiid demands a trade, the Sixers will, eventually, have to trade him. That’s how business works in the National Basketball Association.
“We almost had them receiving RJ Barrett in return. We thought better of it. Barrett has been inconsistent in his NBA career so far. If the Sixers are starting from scratch, they may not be interested in him. They’d probably prefer a deal like this one. Here, we’ve got the Sixers receiving two promising young players, four first-round picks, and three pick swaps. All told that’s a fair return for Embiid.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
Embiid won the MVP Award this season. The six-time All-Star averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists during the regular season and guided the Sixers to 54 wins. However, the Boston Celtics beat the Sixers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games. Embiid and Co. had a 3-2 lead in the series, but Philadelphia couldn’t finish the job.
Embiid signed a four-year, $210 million maximum contract extension with the Sixers in August 2021. The 29-year-old will make $46 million next season. Embiid’s costar, former MVP James Harden, is expected to leave the Sixers and sign with the Houston Rockets this offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
If that happens, Philadelphia has to find another point guard for Embiid, who has career averages of 27.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
Since Knicks president Leon Rose used to be Embiid’s agent, some people believe New York would have an advantage in the Embiid trade sweepstakes if the Kansas product hit the trade block.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
