One NBA writer has come up with a way for the New York Knicks to acquire Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Knicks and Sixers:
The Trade: Knicks trade Evan Fournier, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Isaiah Hartenstein, a 2024 first-round pick (top-12 protected, via WAS), a 2025 first-round pick (top-four protected, via MIL), a 2028 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick to Sixers for Joel Embiid and PJ Tucker
“The fact that the Knicks haven’t split from Fournier just yet suggests they want to use his salary as part of an internet-breaking blockbuster,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “This would absolutely qualify. New York would empty most of its asset collection, but in doing so, it would bring back the reigning MVP. The Knicks have interest in Embiid—as 28 other teams probably do—who could be the missing superstar who moves them into full-fledged championship contention.
“Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle get a lot harder to handle if opposing defenses have to account for Embiid first. Tack on Tucker, a three-and-D swingman with 102 playoff games under his belt, and New York could see this as a title-delivering trade.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
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.
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, 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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