4 Stars the Knicks could swap RJ Barrett for by the trade deadline
1: Joel Embiid
The idea of Joel Embiid requesting a trade heightens each time a new page in the James Harden-Sixers saga is written. Expect the situation to get even spicier when Philadelphia reports to training camp with a disgruntled Harden.
It was reported a few weeks ago that Daryl Morey and the Sixers were no longer engaging in Harden trade talks. Philadelphia couldn’t get a return that would keep the team in good standing, and with Embiid’s prime on the line, the Sixers believe keeping Harden is the answer. That’s good news for the Knicks and every other team that’s prepared to make a run at the reigning MVP if he hits the trade market.
Barrett should be the biggest Knicks name in a trade for Embiid, accompanied by either Quentin Grimes or Immanuel Quickley. If Morey decides to do business with Leon Rose and New York, he will want to wipe the Knicks clean. He’s made it difficult enough to trade Harden, who has done everything he can to make it clear he doesn’t intend to play another game for the Sixers.
Embiid’s playoff resume has New York fans wondering whether or not he’s worth going all-in for, and that concern makes sense. However, Rose’s preexisting relationship with Embiid and his stockpiling of assets to use in a trade has signs pointing toward New York preparing to make an offer for the 29-year-old center.
Barrett turned 23 this summer, so he could still become the kind of player the Knicks hoped he would be when they drafted him four years ago. Another inconsistent season from him could push New York to move on from him and do so for a star-level player. If one of these four players becomes available, Barrett’s time in New York could come to an end.