The New York Knicks are a real threat to trade for Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, according to NBA insider Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Since Knicks president Leon Rose used to be Embiid’s agent, some people around the NBA believe New York would have an advantage in the Embiid trade sweepstakes if the Kansas product hit the trade block.
The Knicks are monitoring Embiid’s future with the Sixers in the wake of James Harden requesting a trade from the franchise, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. 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.”
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 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.
In 394 regular-season games with the Sixers, 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
An NBA scout told NBA Analysis Network that Embiid “likes the idea” of playing for the Knicks. However, the scout said the 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.”
The Knicks could assemble a trade package for Embiid built around Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes and multiple draft picks.
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