The New York Knicks have had a lifelong affinity with Joel Embiid, the current MVP of the Philadelphia 76ers. While there is no sign that the 76ers want to trade their star, Embiid’s trade speculation keeps spinning around the NBA community. The Knicks want the NBA fans to know that in case of a trade with any star, including Joel Embiid, they will not stay behind and be silent spectators. Although it’s all conjecture at this stage, the likelihood of such a trade is bound to be a heated issue among basketball fans and pundits.
The Knicks’ Enthusiasm for Embiid
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Knicks are not shying away from expressing their strong desire to acquire Joel Embiid if the opportunity ever arises. Sources reveal that the Knicks’ president of basketball operations, Leon Rose, has made the pursuit of Embiid their top priority.
What makes this pursuit noteworthy is the reported willingness of the Knicks to assemble an enticing package for Joel Embiid. In the hypothetical scenario that Embiid becomes available, the Knicks are willing to part ways with three key players, with Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Evan Fournier, and Mitchell Robinson all potential for the chopping block. This package would be complemented by the inclusion of two or three first-round draft picks, underlining the extent of their interest.
Embiid’s Commitment to Philadelphia
Joel Embiid’s unwavering loyalty to the Philadelphia 76ers and the city that drafted him is well-documented. However, the NBA landscape is ever-changing, and the looming prospect of a James Harden trade has given rise to questions about the 76ers’ future and what a potential return for Harden might involve.
In the hypothetical case that Joel Embiid requests a trade, it is also difficult and complicated to move him to a different team in the same conference, not to mention the same division.