The admiration out of New York for Joel Embiid is no secret, and while the 76ers haven’t shown any interest in trading the reigning MVP, it hasn't quieted the chatter around potential trade interest from the Knicks.
While it remains unlikely that Philadelphia would move the star big man for any reason short of a trade demand, the latest report points to New York being willing to put together a big package if Embiid were to be put on the block, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Knicks president of basketball operations Leon Rose has made obtaining Embiid, if he becomes available, No. 1 priority, according to sources.
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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.
As noted in the story, Embiid’s stance has remained the same—he has a deep love for the team and city that drafted him. But the looming potential James Harden trade, and what that return may look like, has created the big “what if” question surrounding Embiid and the 76ers’ future.
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Even in the hypothetical world where Embiid did ask the 76ers for a trade, the idea of moving him to a team not just in the same conference, but the same division, would surely be a less-than-ideal result for the franchise. Regardless, while it’s all speculation currently, New York’s reported willingness to offer four talented players and up to three first-round picks for Embiid is noteworthy as Harden’s immediate future remains up in the air and Philly’s long-term roster outlook is even more of a question mark.
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