NBA Report: Knicks prepared to make big offer to Sixers for Joel Embiid
There is a school of thought that Philadelphia 76ers big man, and reigning league MVP, Joel Embiid will request a trade sooner rather than later. The thought process is based on the Sixers not being able to get past Round 2 and they’re also dealing with the James Harden saga after also dealing with the Ben Simmons situation in 2021.
It also doesn’t help that Embiid sent a message to the front office over the summer saying that he wants to win a championship whether that’s in Philadelphia or anywhere else. It would be understandable if he were to reach that point.
However, despite some frustration, it doesn’t appear that Embiid is anywhere close to requesting a trade out of Philadelphia. He professed his love for the city on media day and he is willing to let the Sixers work through the Harden saga and do whatever it takes to get back the right value to chase a championship led by a new coach in Nick Nurse. He looks to be in terrific shape and is embracing the new style Philadelphia will play.
On the flip side, everybody has a breaking point. There could be a day when the big fella just has enough and he does end up asking out. If that day ever comes, it appears the New York Knicks will be there waiting to make an offer.
Per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Knicks are waiting in the wings:
The Knicks are willing to offer a package that includes three key players, with Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Evan Fournier and Mitchell Robinson all available in exchange for Embiid, according to sources. A trio from that group would be paired with two or three first-round picks.
The Sixers are not going to think about trading Embiid unless he asks for one. That’s why there are some teams around the league, such as the Knicks, who are hoping they crumble in the midst of the Harden situation and hoping that Embiid asks for his own deal.
The front office has to be careful in this situation. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has to make sure he nails this Harden trade or else that could trigger Embiid to get to that breaking point and then ask out if he feels like Philadelphia is not moving in the right direction.
With that being said, at this moment in time, it does bear repeating that Embiid nor the Sixers are interested in a divorce right now. However, it doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever. The Knicks will be waiting if it does get to that point.
