5 Events that must happen to get Joel Embiid on the Knicks
![PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a lay up past Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a lay up past Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/38fd6dbdcc8a6ead948f9e610513e10b5b8e719b2d09368a4f4df647f94ad7cd.jpg)
1: Sixers fail to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals
The Sixers haven’t made it to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001. Philadelphia has come up short in the semifinals in five of the last six seasons.
Entering Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals a couple of months ago, the Sixers had a 3-2 series lead. All they had to do was win at least one of the next two games, but the Celtics stole both to advance to the ECF. Not even Game 7 was enough to motivate Joel Embiid and James Harden. The former scored only 15 points, shooting 5-of-18 from the field.
Embiid’s had his issues in the playoffs, so part of the blame for Philadelphia’s inability to make a deep playoff run can be placed on him. It’s reasonable enough to think if Embiid remains on the Sixers’ roster for the entirety of the 2023-24 season, another dud postseason push could be enough to warrant a trade request from Embiid.
The Knicks came up short of advancing to the ECF this past season, but the team still made a big jump from 2021-22. Most of the reason for that was Jalen Brunson, who solidified himself as a star in his first year in New York. The Knicks could be one star trade away from being labeled as contenders, and could that star be Joel Embiid?