3 Red flags Knicks must consider before going all-in on Joel Embiid trade
The NBA world is watching and waiting for Joel Embiid to request a trade from the Sixers, an outcome that may never happen. If the reigning MVP hits the trade market, Leon Rose and the New York Knicks will be ready to make their move.
Rachel Nichols said on Undisputed that James Harden’s trade request was because he believes he should be “leading the show.” The Sixers are Embiid’s team, as they should be. With only a few weeks remaining until training camp, the Harden situation will likely worsen as he’s made it clear he wants to leave Philadelphia. The organization stopped engaging in trade talks centered around the 34-year-old guard.
The Sixers won’t trade Harden unless they get a good trade package in return, and it doesn’t seem that will happen anytime soon. Embiid could be the next domino to fall in Philadelphia if tensions get high enough.
It wouldn’t be a shock if Embiid requested a trade sometime in the next year, and if he does, the Knicks will be one of the teams communicating with the Sixers about a trade. However, New York should carefully proceed before sending the farm to a division rival for several reasons.
3 reasons Knicks should be careful about going all-in for Joel Embiid
3: Making a deal with Daryl Morey
The Knicks tax is real, but it’ll become especially real if New York has trade conversations with Philadelphia regarding Joel Embiid. Daryl Morey and the Sixers will try to get everything they possibly can in return for Embiid but will try to get the world from the Knicks.
Morey would likely instead send Embiid to any team but one that competes in the Atlantic Division, but if New York can put together the best offer, he should put the rivalry aside and accept the package.
The 2022 offseason was dominated by the Knicks and Jazz trade talks for Donovan Mitchell, and Danny Ainge isn’t an easy executive to negotiate with. If New York pursues Embiid, Morey will fall in the same category as Ainge. While it’s common for stars to request trades in today’s NBA, the price tag of acquiring one continues to rise.
If Morey’s price for Embiid is too astronomical, the Knicks must stand their ground and not succumb to the Sixers’ demands. New York is going to have to give up a lot to get Embiid regardless, but there is a line that should be drawn in the sand.