Report reveals reaction of 76ers to proposed Joel Embiid offer from Knicks
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey, the New York Knicks tried to trade for Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid this summer. Their trade package included three key players and multiple draft picks, but Philadelphia has not made Embiid, the reigning MVP, available in trade discussion.
Simply put, it makes no sense for the Sixers to entertain any negotiations for the dominant big man at this time.
Ian Begley of SNY followed up this week on the reported offer from the Knicks, with once source telling him it was "not taken seriously" by Philadelphia.
New York was likely doing its due diligence with future Hall of Fame guard James Harden's trade request and the ensuing drama leaving the Sixers in a tough spot. Embiid wants to compete for championships, but once again, he is dealing with an unhappy star teammate who is taking the focus away from the basketball court. Many expect Embiid to tire of the dysfunction eventually, leading some teams to believe they have a chance to acquire the All-NBA big man.
The Knicks have been biding their time. The front office has amassed a wealth of tradable assets. Once a top-tier star becomes available, New York is expected to be at the front of the line.
Embiid is a top-tier star, and he would be the ideal centerpiece to a contending Knicks team.
The Sixers know they're on the clock. Not only do they need to handle the Harden situation, but they also need to compete at a high level. Embiid isn't getting any younger. Every wasted season is a year of his prime down the drain.
Philadelphia may not have taken New York's trade offer seriously, but if things don't change, the Sixers could find themselves having some lengthy conversations with the Knicks and other teams in the relatively near future.
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