A package centered around RJ Barrett
In response to their first offer, the Philadelphia 76ers make it clear that they’re not accepting a deal for Joel Embiid that doesn’t include RJ Barrett. In an attempt to create a package around one of the underrated two-way budding stars, New York counters with this offer: Barrett, Evan Fournier, Immanuel Quickly, and three future first-round picks for Embiid. This is an intriguing offer and could be labeled as a step back for the Sixers or a step forward. It all depends on how Philadelphia grades Barrett out as a future star.
If the Sixers are sold that Barrett is a star and has the chance to develop into something more, this could be viewed as a great offer. The Sixers don’t get the four future first-round picks but they get one future star in Barrett and an intriguing young player in Quickley. As a point guard, Quickley theoretically fits a bit better next to Tyrese Maxey, so that’s why he’s included instead of Quentin Grimes – though, those two young players could be exchangeable in this deal.
In the end, I don’t believe this is a deal that Philadelphia is 100 percent on. Barrett is one of the most polarizing young players in the league and I’m not sure Philadelphia is sold on him being the lone centerpiece of a deal for Embiid.