NBA champion Richard Jefferson believes Joel Embiid will leave the Philadelphia 76ers for the New York Knicks in the future.
The Knicks are “keeping an eye” on Embiid’s future with the Sixers, according to NBA insider Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. Many people around the NBA believe Embiid will request a trade from the Sixers sooner rather than later since James Harden wants out.
Embiid averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds last season for the Sixers while shooting 54.8% from the field, 33.0% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free-throw line. Philadelphia swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs but lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Richard Jefferson, New York Knicks & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
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. However, Philadelphia has never gotten past the second round of the NBA playoffs in the Embiid era.
Since Knicks president Leon Rose used to be Embiid’s agent, some people around the NBA believe New York would have an advantage in Embiid trade talks.
Embiid, who signed a four-year, $210 million contract extension in 2021, wants Harden to stay with the Sixers, but Harden intends to “never wear” a Philadelphia uniform again, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Richard Jefferson, New York Knicks & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Embiid is not expected to request a trade from the Sixers this summer, but he could next offseason depending on how the Harden trade request plays out and how many games Philadelphia wins in 2023-24.
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