When James Harden first requested a trade this offseason, the New York Knicks began preparing to make a run at Joel Embiid if the Philadelphia 76ers star demanded a trade. As the Harden saga dragged on, the Knicks began preparing an offer for Philadelphia.
It was a situation that NBA teams were monitoring for months. Some believed Embiid, the reigning MVP, would eventually request a trade. Some even thought a demand was imminent and 76ers’ president Daryl Morey wanted to rebuild the team anyway.
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However, the Los Angeles Clippers backed out of trade talks for Harden and there were essentially no other suitors for him. While Embiid never wavered from his commitment to Philadelphia, word of the Knicks’ planned trade offer got out.
The 76ers were reportedly made aware of the proposed trade package, per Ian Begley of SNY, learning that New York wanted to trade multiple first-round picks and three young players in a deal for Embiid.
According to Begley, 76ers’ officials haven’t wavered from their belief that Embiid is committed to finishing his career in Philadelphia. As for the trade offer itself, the front office didn’t view it as a legitimate offer even worth considering.
“They didn’t take it seriously.”
Philadelphia 76ers source on New York Knicks trade offer for Joel Embiid (H/T SNY.tv)
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Throughout the NBA offseason and 76ers’ training camp, Embiid expressed no desire to play elsewhere. He’s previously stated his desire to spend his entire career in Philadelphia and seemed to back Morey this summer amid issues with Harden.
With Embiid off the table, the Knicks are expected to keep their multitude of future first-round picks and young talent with the hope the 76ers’ situation deteriorates. If that doesn’t happen, New York will likely take a patient approach and wait for a new superstar to demand a trade.
