The Philadelphia 76ers rely on Joel Embiid as much as any team in the NBA relies on a player. He’s the reigning MVP. So, his recent injury has been a tremendous problem for this squad.
It could impact their place in the league’s standings. Life has proven difficult without Embiid. It’s, unfortunately, possible that his recent injury will derail the Sixers’ season.
Still, there are reasons for optimism in Philadelphia. This team has some assets to burn. If their season goes south, they can look to 2024-25. Could they acquire Julius Randle of the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Paul Reed, G De’Anthony Melton, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Julius Randle
At least the Sixers have Embiid. Every team with title aspirations needs a franchise player. That means having a player who appears to be good enough to lead a title run.
Do the Knicks have that player? Lately, that’s been a point of contention. Becky Hammond stated that Jalen Brunson likely falls short of that mark. Does she have a point?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
It seems likely. That’s not a knock on Brunson. He’s a remarkable player. We’re talking about an exceedingly high bar. Should the Knicks trade their second-best player this summer?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Brunson may not be someone who could lead a title run. He can certainly be a championship-level second option. If the Knicks agree that he’s not quite a franchise guy, they need to be focused on landing that player.
That seems to be the plan. The Knicks have been stockpiling assets. That’s all we have them doing here. The Knicks are flipping Randle for another first-round pick to include in a future blockbuster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
With that said, they could use both Reed and Melton. Reed is the type of versatile defender that Tom Thibodeau generally loves, and Melton can replace Immanuel Quickley’s scoring punch off the bench. Should the Sixers part with either of them?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers have their guy. They have their second guy, too – Tyrese Maxey has emerged as star lead guard. So, the Sixers need to find the third-best player on a title contender.
Randle can be that guy. His fit with Embiid and Maxey will be contingent on his shooting efficiency. Randle has been inconsistent from deep throughout his career. Still, it feels likely that he’ll knock down his threes next to players with Embiid and Maxey’s gravity.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Otherwise, Randle can self-create and make plays for teammates. If these pieces click, the Sixers could be unstoppable. After all, they already have their franchise player.
