NBA Rumors: Sixers writer can “absolutely” see Knicks-MVP trade happening
The Joel Embiid trade talk is fascinating for several reasons, and not just because he’s the reigning MVP. The 29-year-old would cause a ripple effect across the NBA if he requested a trade, specifically to the New York Knicks.
At this point, it’s almost as if Embiid has requested a trade (he hasn’t), given all the talk that seems only to be picking up steam. He said nearly two weeks ago that he wanted to win a championship, whether it be with Philadelphia or another team, but then hinted on Twitter that he was merely being a troll.
It’s difficult to know where Embiid stands. He’s in his prime, and the Sixers haven’t built a winning roster around him. Philadelphia has a James Harden problem that could become more significant if the guard isn’t traded ahead of the 2023-24 season.
The goal has been for Embiid to win a title for the Sixers, but the organization’s outlook to make it to that point isn’t looking good. It wouldn’t be a shock for him to request a trade so that he could try to win a championship elsewhere, namely the Knicks. New York has the assets to get a deal done, and Embiid used to be represented by former CAA agent Leon Rose.
There’s been debate about whether Daryl Morey would trade Embiid to a hated division rival. Still, the Knicks are continually popping up as the team that could get the star center if he were made available.
Sixers writer believes Knicks-Joel Embiid trade could “absolutely” happen
Keith Pompey, Sixers beat writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, made an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio and reiterated that the “worst kept secret” in basketball is that the Knicks have been compiling draft picks in the hopes that Joel Embiid will want out.
Could the Knicks be looking to acquire Joel Embiid?@PompeyOnSixers tells @EvCoRadio and @SamMitchellNBA it’s the worst kept secret in basketball. pic.twitter.com/w7C3fk4eE2
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 22, 2023
Pompey added that if New York were to successfully trade for Embiid, the Knicks would be “catapulted to one of the top teams in the East.” The Knicks are coming off a season where they finished No. 5 in the conference, and many believe that New York is one star trade away from being a true contender.
On an episode of The Lowe Post podcast, Tim McMenamin said that “all the murmurs” regarding Embiid have been about him going to the Knicks. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
The way that the rest of the offseason shakes out for the Sixers will be interesting when it comes to James Harden because whatever happens will affect Joel Embiid. Leon Rose and New York’s front office hope the situation will favor them.
