The New York Knicks are monitoring Joel Embiid’s future with the Philadelphia 76ers in the wake of James Harden requesting a trade from the franchise, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Scotto also linked the Miami Heat to Embiid since they have Jimmy Butler, who is close friends with Embiid.
“Meanwhile, teams around the league – especially the New York Knicks – are monitoring how the Harden saga plays out in Philadelphia and will affect the happiness of MVP Joel Embiid,” Scotto wrote. “The Knicks have long admired Embiid and have significant draft capital to dangle. Embiid’s former agent was Leon Rose, who now leads New York’s front office.
“Should Embiid ever demand a trade, it’s worth noting the Miami Heat has one of his good friends, Jimmy Butler, and a potentially intriguing trade chip in All-Star center Bam Adebayo to dangle, in theory.”
Embiid caused a major stir when he told Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James’ business partner, Maverick Carter, “I just want to win a championship, whatever it takes. I don’t know where that’s going to be, whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat & New York Knicks Updates
Some people around the NBA believe Embiid is upset at the Sixers since Harden requested a trade. In 394 regular-season games with Philly, Embiid is averaging 27.2 points and 11.2 rebounds. He has made six All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and three All-Defensive teams and won one MVP Award.
However, the Sixers have never gotten past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era.
Embiid hasn’t spoken to Philly about wanting to get traded, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The Sixers’ belief is that Embiid would like to spend his entire career with them, similar to Dirk Nowitzki with the Dallas Mavericks and Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat & New York Knicks Updates
Embiid told Showtime’s Rachel Nichols that he hopes Harden will be on the Sixers next season. Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option and wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Knicks have loomed as the leading suitor for Embiid if he requests a trade, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, since New York president Leon Rose used to represent Embiid.
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