Around the NBA, there are rumblings. Something major might be afoot. There are rumors, and if there’s truth in them, they could change the NBA. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are at the forefront of the speculation.
We’re not talking about James Harden. There’s nothing to speculate about in that situation. Harden just called general manager Daryl Morey a “liar”. Harden does not want to be a 76er – that’s obvious. It’s the potential fallout that we’re concerned with here.
Specifically, we’re thinking of Joel Embiid. If Harden leaves, and the Sixers aren’t able to replace him, could a trade request from Embiid follow? This ship feels like it’s sinking. Will Embiid go down with it? Or, could the Sixers trade him to the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, C Mitchell Robinson, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: C Joel Embiid
For Sixers fans, this is scary. The idea of rebuilding again has to be daunting. After all, this team has been through the wringer. The Sixers had one of the worst stretches in the history of the NBA.
By design, that is. The Sixers and their “Process” became synonymous with tanking. The idea was to maximize their losses for several years in pursuit of high lottery picks. Eventually, the Sixers would have a roster full of elite talent – and then they’d switch gears. The plan worked…to an extent, anyway.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
Was this the plan? The Sixers had not advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals with Embiid in the middle. On the other hand, they built a competitive team. There is no process – pun intended – to build a surefire competitive. Either way, whether we remember the Process as a success or a failure, it feels like it’s drawing to a conclusion. Could the Sixers really undergo another rebuild?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, this deal wouldn’t require the Sixers to undertake a bottom-up rebuild. That’s perfect – realistically, the Sixers can’t. They owe most of their draft capital for the next several years to other teams. The Sixers can’t tank in the manner that they did to acquire Embiid in the first place.
Luckily, they won’t have to. Tyrese Maxey is still on this team – suddenly, he’ll be their most important player. Meanwhile, they’ll be adding Barrett and Robinson to their suddenly young core. Robinson is one of the best defensive big men in the NBA, and Barrett has flashed plenty of upside as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
So, the Sixers could stay competitive following this deal. With that said, they’d also have four unprotected first-round picks to work with moving forward. They could use those picks to trade for a star down the road or to draft around their young core. Should the Knicks give them that flexibility?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
There isn’t much to say here. Joel Embiid is the league’s reigning MVP. The Knicks do this deal to acquire the league’s reigning MVP. Realistically, this team feels tailor-made to make a blockbuster deal for a star.
As it stands, the best player on this team is either Jalen Brunson or Julius Randle. They’re both dynamic talents. At the same time, don’t they feel more like the second and/or third-best players on a title contender? The Knicks need a franchise player. Joel Embiid is a franchise player. This is an open and shut case.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
Especially considering how easily the Knicks can spare this package. They won’t need Robinson if they’re landing Embiid. Barrett has flashed potential, but he’s also wildly inconsistent. Finally, the Knicks don’t need their draft capital if they’re acquiring Embiid – this team will be shifting into title contention. It’s hard to overstate how major this development could be.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
