One NBA writer is teasing the possibility of the New York Knicks trading for Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid.
Tommy Beer believes the Knicks could trade for Embiid if the MVP becomes available in trade talks since New York president Leon Rose used to represent the Sixers center.
When Rose joined the Knicks in 2020, Embiid said he was very happy for his former agent.
“Leon is my guy,” Embiid said. “He’s like family to me. When I heard the news, I was happy for him. He’s cool. Being an agent for such a long time and getting a GM or a president job, I think, is amazing. I’m so happy for him. I’m sure he’ll do a good job over there. I think he’s a great human being. He’s going to do a great job.”
An NBA scout recently told NBA Analysis Network that Embiid “likes the idea” of playing for the Knicks. However, the big man doesn’t want to play for Tom Thibodeau.
“Embiid has privately pondered the idea of playing for the Knicks in recent years,” the scout said. “That’s not necessarily breaking news, many superstars have done the same. From what I’ve heard, he likes the idea of playing in New York but wouldn’t want to play for Thibodeau.”
Embiid signed a four-year, $210 million maximum contract extension with the Sixers in August 2021. Philadelphia hasn’t gotten past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era, so some people around the NBA have wondered if the All-Star is growing frustrated in “The City of Brotherly Love.”
The Knicks could put together a trade package for Embiid built around Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Obi Toppin. New York needs another star around point guard Jalen Brunson to make some serious noise in the playoffs and Embiid certainly fits that bill. The Kansas product won the MVP Award this season by averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds.
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