A Philadelphia 76ers insider views the New York Knicks as the favorites in a potential Joel Embiid trade and offered up three specific reasons why.
Just like every NBA offseason, there have been several major moves that saw star players switch teams in trades and free agency. There have also been a pair of huge trade requests made by superstar talents like Damian Lillard and James Harden. However, there has been another notable narrative hanging over the offseason.
Related: NBA trade rumors – Latest buzz on Damian Lillard, Pascal Siakam and more
That is about Joel Embiid’s future with the Philadelphia 76ers. The reigning NBA MVP is still locked into at least three more seasons in Philly, however, the team’s playoff failures in recent years and the new Harden drama have some wondering if he is contemplating his exit from the franchise.
Similar to the recent Kevin Durant trade market, the pursuit for Embiid likely would include interest from more than half of the teams in the league. However, since the speculation has begun about potential trades, the New York Knicks are continually mentioned as a serious contender.
New York Knicks record (’22-’23): 47-35
On Sunday, 76ers insider Keith Pompey was asked about the major players in a possible Joel Embiid trade market, and the Knicks were his top option for several reasons.
“[New York Knicks president] Leon Rose used to be his agent, Joel already owns a house up in New York, [and] he’s had it for a while. And the worst-kept secret is that the Knicks have been compiling and keeping a whole of their first-round draft picks hoping and praying that Embiid asks out. If you add Joel Embiid to that team, that team is going to be catapulted to one of the top teams in the East. And I could see that absolutely happening.”
– Keith Pompey
It is interesting for a reporter that covers the team day in and day out to feel New York is a top candidate to be able to make one of the biggest trades in league history despite being a rival club in the conference.
The Knicks have several young players that might interest Philadelphia, including former first-round pick RJ Barrett, and eight opening-round selections over the next four drafts. Including four in just the 2024 NBA Draft.