The New York Knicks have a stockpile of assets and are waiting to make a blockbuster trade. They are in no rush. The Knicks passed on Donovan Mitchell last summer and are not eager to waste their chance on Damian Lillard or James Harden. New York has been patient this offseason (subscription required) in hopes a true superstar that fits their roster demands a trade.
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid could be that player. Leon Rose and William Wesley were his agents before they took over the Knicks front office and the pursuit has already begun. Harden’s trade request has the 76ers in turmoil, and Philadelphia is doing whatever possible to keep Embiid. It may not work, but the Knicks are no lock to acquire the reigning MVP if he asks out.
New York will offer a monster package, including multiple first-round draft picks and young talent. Will it be the one Daryl Morey accepts? Michael Saenz of Sir Charles in Charge outlined multiple packages the Knicks could present, but are any worth considering?
Grading New York Knicks trade packages to acquire 76ers superstar Joel Embiid
3. Knicks put out the feelers
Morey is not known for giving discounts, and it is not happening here. Embiid has led the league in scoring for two straight years. The reigning MVP is a two-way force in the middle of his prime. Philadelphia will hang up the phone over anything less than a monster offer.
R.J. Barrett just turned 23 years old and has averaged over 19 points per game for two consecutive seasons. The former third-overall pick has massive potential and makes this offer worth considering.
Morey will point to the Kevin Durant trade to set the asking price here. Phoenix gave up Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, four first-round picks, one first-round picks swap, and one second-rounder for KD. Bridges had more value than Barrett, and there is not as much draft capital.
Knicks grade: A+
This is a middle-of-the-road offer. The Philadelphia 76ers should not be insulted and instantly hang up the phone, but they won’t accept either. Immanuel Quickley is worth one first-round pick, and teams that believe Barrett turns into an All-Star would be interested in this package. Daryl Morey knows he can and will get more for Joel Embiid, but this is likely where the negotiations begin not end.
2. 76ers take maximum draft capital
Philadelphia has to decide what they value most in the return. Do they want young players to start developing, the maximum draft capital to restart “The Process” or some combination of the two? If Joel Embiid demands a trade, the Sixers will be in full rebuild mode and could be looking for a new lead executive. Morey exited Houston just before their downturn and may do the same in Philly.
The Knicks have four first-round picks from other teams over the next two years plus all of theirs available to trade. They could trade eight first-rounders in a historic package, but five is the most anyone has ever given up. New York will not break the record with the young talent already on their roster, but expect Philly to ask for five. That package could look like this.
Morey won’t be happy here. Mitchell Robinson is a steady center, but will always be a role player. Quentin Grimes blossomed into a starter last season, but the 6’5 wing won’t transform into an All-Star. Evan Fournier was out of the Knicks rotation last season but has been a quality role player. Three rotation pieces and five picks aren’t enough for the reigning MVP.
Knicks grade: B+
The Philadelphia 76ers tie for the most first-round draft picks ever received in one trade, but they will not do this deal without R.J. Barrett involved.
1. Knicks go all-in for Joel Embiid
Daryl Morey showed his stubbornness in the Ben Simmons standoff. Remember, the 6’10 point guard was an All-Star three straight years before his epic playoff collapse and trade demand. Morey could have sold low, but he waited for the right move. It took until February, but nothing phased the Sixers president.
He will do the same if Joel Embiid requests a trade. Expect Morey to set a price and wait for an opposing team to meet it. The Knicks can and will be forced to offer a ton to get the reigning MVP.
R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Quentin Grimes are the three young players New York is willing to offer. All three are already key rotation pieces on a playoff team with upside. The 76ers get a strong start to their rebuild, including a 25-year-old starting-caliber center and five first-rounders.
The Knicks will not be eager to part with all these pieces, but this is the moment they have waited for. Joel Embiid is a superstar and one of the top five players in the world right now. New York may not get another chance to acquire this level of talent.
Knicks grade: B-
The New York Knicks would have a roster instantly ready to contend. Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo can flank Embiid in the starting five. They must improve their depth, but getting an alpha is the top priority.
Will the Knicks land Joel Embiid over the next year? Keep an eye on the 76ers drama, and stay tuned for all the latest.
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