There’s been a lot of movement in the NBA lately. We’ve seen a flurry of activity. Damian Lillard is a Milwaukee Buck. Jrue Holiday is a Boston Celtic. Now, the NBA trade rumors can quiet down – can’t they?
Were you born yesterday? NBA trade rumors never stop. There’s always more to discuss. Sure, the biggest stars on the block have been moved. Now is the time to think about which stars will come next. Besides, there’s still one star guard who has a pending trade request.
Yes, we’re talking about James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers. He wants to be traded, and by now, it doesn’t seem like he’ll change that stance. Harden did not show up for the team’s media day. Meanwhile, some have suggested that if Harden leaves, a trade request from Joel Embiid could follow. Could the Sixers send him to the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, C Mitchell Robinson, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: C Joel Embiid
Yet, everyone doesn’t appreciate trade rumors. That’s understandable. Players don’t always appreciate hearing their names in them – they may be happy where they are. Fans get annoyed by the rumors too. With that in mind, 76ers fans have got to be livid right now.
This may be much ado about nothing. The Sixers will trade Harden – that’s inevitable. It doesn’t mean that they’ll automatically lose Embiid. They’ll likely land a handful of good rotation players for Harden. Throw in some development from Tyrese Maxey and a coaching change, and who knows? This could be a successful season for the Sixers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
One thing is clear: it’s a significant one. Any serious regression from the Sixers could easily lead to a trade request from Embiid. This is a situation worth monitoring. Could the Sixers really move Embiid if it isn’t working out?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers won’t make this deal tomorrow. Even if they trade Harden, they’ll bring Embiid into the 2023-24 season. Again – if the Sixers look good, this won’t be a viable option. Let’s assume that they’re struggling. Could they trade Embiid before the deadline?
We think so. It feels like general manager Daryl Morey might have an appetite for rebuilding. This team may have hit a ceiling. All around the Eastern Conference, contenders are improving. The Sixers, if anything, are likely to regress in terms of talent. It may be time to hit the reset button here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
If the front office agrees, this is a good return. Barrett and Robinson are both young enough to be part of this team’s future. Meanwhile, the Sixers are landing three unprotected first-round picks and a swap here. All told, that’s enough to prepare this organization for the future. Should the Knicks give all of that up for Embiid?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
What kind of question is that? This is Joel Embiid we’re talking about. He’s the league’s reigning MVP. If he’s available, the Knicks should make an offer. This talented team played above their heads last year, but they don’t have a leading superstar like Embiid on their roster.
Instead, the Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. They’re both star players, but neither feels like a viable top dog on a title contender. On the other hand, as second and third options, they’d each be elite. This deal has New York knocking each down one spot in the pecking order. Embiid would be this team’s first option, and they’d benefit.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
Moreover, Barrett has been a bit slow to develop in New York. The Knicks won’t mind parting with Robinson either – they’re directly replacing him here. If Embiid does become available, keep an eye on the Knicks. Until then, all we have are rumors.
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