May 14, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) leaves the court after losing to the Boston Celtics in game seven of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Playoffs-Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
(New York, NY) – One day after learning Giannis Antetokounmpo had re-signed with Milwaukee Bucks (3 years, $186 million) New York Knicks fans were forced to shift their wishful eyes elsewhere in the search for a superstar that could be acquired via trade.
Down I-95 in Philadelphia, there happens to be a superstar who may or may not be available in reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
Swinging a deal for such a player would be a massive development for both the Knicks and the league overall – New York hasn’t completed a blockbuster deal of that caliber since Carmelo Anthony was brought in from Denver in 2011.
So what would the Knicks be willing to give up in order to get the 29-year-old Embiid? According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Knicks president Leon Rose would package three of Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, and Evan Fournier – as well as two or three first round picks – if that brought back Embiid.
Many on social media have speculated that wouldn’t be enough. And since Embiid doesn’t have a no-trade clause, it doesn’t matter where he prefers to end up. But Philly may be willing to move him given the ongoing drama surrounding guard James Harden – who has demanded a trade and refused to show up to 76ers camp – with the season about to get underway.
And as fans dream on potential trades, the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell and the Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns are also reportedly being eyed as targets – per Stefan Bondy in the New York Post.
