One NBA analyst believes Joel Embiid should have his eye on the New York Knicks amid the James Harden trade drama.
Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option and requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2017-18 MVP wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jason McIntyre said on “The Herd” that Embiid should look at the Knicks as his next potential team if Harden gets traded.
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.
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.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
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.
New York needs another star around Jalen Brunson to make some serious noise in the playoffs and Embiid certainly fits that bill. Embiid won the MVP Award last season by averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 54.8% from the field, 33.0% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks have loomed as the leading suitor for Embiid if he requests a trade from the Sixers, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. If/when Harden gets traded, Embiid’s future will come into question.
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