The New York Knicks have loomed as the leading suitor for superstar big man Joel Embiid if he requests a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
All-Star guard James Harden is working to get traded by the Sixers, so Embiid’s future will come into question next.
“The Knicks have registered interest in Harden, sources said, but New York has long loomed as a leading suitor for Embiid — not to mention Harden’s curious fit with Team USA-bound Jalen Brunson — and it’s a wonder if the Knicks would target Embiid’s running mate as opposed to waiting to make a play for the all-world center in the aftermath of Harden’s departure,” Fischer wrote.
“You can guarantee rival front offices are watching this situation with the hopes that Embiid could be the next All-NBA talent seeking a different destination. That’s just simple addition in this league’s cutthroat transaction world.”
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. An NBA scout told NBA Analysis Network that Embiid “likes the idea” of playing for the Knicks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
However, the scout said the six-time All-Star doesn’t want to play for New York head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“Embiid has privately pondered the idea of playing for the Knicks in recent years,” the scout said. “That’s not necessarily breaking news, many superstars have done the same. From what I’ve heard, he likes the idea of playing in New York but wouldn’t want to play for Thibodeau.”
Embiid signed a four-year, $210 million maximum contract extension with the Sixers in August 2021. Philadelphia has never gotten past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
New York needs another star around point guard Jalen Brunson to make some serious noise in the playoffs and Embiid certainly fits that bill. Joel won the MVP Award this past season by averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds.
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