Proposed Joel Embiid-Knicks trade requires New York to give up three starters

If things in Philadelphia go haywire this season, New York Knicks fans can expect Leon Rose and the front office to be on high alert. Joel Embiid requesting a trade would cause quite a stir around the league.

It’s already been assumed that if Embiid were to want out, the Knicks would be the top team on his list. Before Rose left the CAA to be New York’s team president, he represented Embiid. The Knicks aren’t the same team as years past, making New York an actual potential destination for the 2022-23 NBA MVP.

James Harden requested a trade from the Sixers in June, and two months later, he reportedly still wants to leave Philadelphia. Harden and Daryl Morey’s relationship has taken a hit recently, so much so that the guard wants to go to the Clippers. Embiid’s been vocal about wanting Harden to stay with the Sixers, but it doesn’t look like the star center’s wish will come true.

If Harden is dealt to Los Angeles or another team and Philadelphia suffers, Embiid could be the next big star on the move. Bleacher Report put together a deal for Embiid to land him in NYC.

Would Knicks consider this proposed Joel Embiid trade from Bleacher Report?

Knicks Get

Joel Embiid

76ers Get

RJ Barrett

Mitchell Robinson

Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley

2024 first-round pick, 2024 first-round pick (top-12 protected via WAS), 2025 first-round pick (top-four protected via MIL), 2026 first-round pick

The Sixers are going to get a haul if they trade Joel Embiid. Although the Knicks have their sights set on him, it’s hard to see New York giving up RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley, along with two unprotected first-round picks and two protected first-round picks.

Sending Robinson to Philadelphia would be a given considering Embiid would take his spot in the rotation, and it would make sense to trade a player of Barrett’s caliber too. Quickley or Grimes would have to go, as they’re both key young players, but would Leon Rose be fine parting with both?

New York would still have Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, Miles McBride, and Jericho Sims coming off the bench following this proposed trade.

Daryl Morey will do whatever it takes to put the Sixers in the best possible position in a post-Embiid era, especially if he was making a deal with the Knicks. Barrett, Robinson, Quickley, and Grimes would be a great haul for Philadelphia.

Joel Embiid is in his prime and will turn 30 toward the end of the 2023-24 season. He’s the star that the Knicks are crossing their fingers and hoping will request a trade. If that happens, expect Morey and Philadelphia to ask for the world in return.

• Published on 08/13/2023 at 5:00 PM EDT
• Last updated on 08/13/2023 at 5:00 PM EDT