Grade the Trade: Knicks blow up roster for Joel Embiid in proposed trade

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

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Joel Embiid, Philadelphia Sixers. (Photo by Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks /

Gazing at the trade that brings Joel Embiid to the Knicks

The Knicks have a deep treasure chest of draft picks, as well as a roster stocked with young players. The Philadelphia 76ers will likely ask for a moon, but the Knicks have to negotiate in such a way to still be able to contend around Embiid when he arrives; they can’t repeat the Carmelo Anthony trade that left them without enough talent to compete.

Julius Randle or RJ Barrett will need to be in the deal as the base salary, and of the two the 76ers will want Barrett as they retool for a younger timeline. With that in mind, here is the full deal as proposed by Sixers Sense:

The Knicks are sending two starters and two viable rotation players alongside four first-round picks and a swap. RJ Barrett pairs with Tyrese Maxey and Paul Reed as the young core for the Sixers to build on, with Mitchell Robinson a viable starting center and Obi Toppin potentially a starter at the four as well.

New York can trot out a starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, Josh Hart, Julius Randle and Joel Embiid, with Isaiah Hartenstein and Immanuel Quickley on the bench. That’s a team that can realistically compete in the East next season.

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