NBA Trade Rumors: The New York Knicks’ brass may already be trying to recruit Joel Embiid.
With everything that is taking place between the Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden, all eyes are now on Joel Embiid. One team that should be following the developments in Philadelphia closely is the New York Knicks.
After missing out on Donovan Mitchell last offseason, the Knicks have been patiently waiting for their chance to pounce on the next disgruntled superstar in the NBA. They may have their opportunity to do so soon with Embiid.
According to seasoned NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Knicks team brass may already be trying to woo Embiid. Per Stein, Knicks president Leon Rose and an associate attended Embiid’s wedding over the summer. Stein notes that their presence at Embiid’s wedding was “not nothing.”
Take that for whatever you think it means but I think what Stein is trying to hint at is the possibility that the Knicks are already trying to “recruit” Embiid. It’s likely through backchanneling since they can’t do it traditionally without breaking CBA rules.
If the New York Knicks are already recruiting Joel Embiid, it shouldn’t be surprising
But this is the new NBA. It’s more about backchanneling through connections or former connections in an attempt to gauge the temperature of certain players. This is some of what we’re seeing with the likes of Damian Lillard and James Harden this offseason.
Looking back, the backchanneling that was probably taking place between Lillard and the Miami Heat could be viewed as a big reason why they didn’t more aggressively pursue Bradley Beal earlier this offseason. Even though the Heat still hasn’t been able to corral Lillard, the hope is that they are able to at some point soon. But because the Heat had some sort of indication that Lillar was going to not only demand a trade but to do so in favor of Miami, it make their decision to lay off the Beal sweepstakes that much easier.
Maybe these are the early steps that are being taken by the Knicks. I’m not saying they are or aren’t, but we’d be foolish to think that there isn’t something taking place behind the scenes – and may through players, which is completely legal.
Nevertheless, this is certainly something to keep in mind. Deep down, I don’t believe that an Embiid trade demand is happening any time soon. If I had to guess when it could, I’d point to the end of this season. Still, the Embiid to Knicks whispers is only going to grow louder over the next few months.