NBA Rumors: NBA insider Chris Broussard believes that Joel Embiid wants to play for the New York Knicks.
At the moment, the future of the Philadelphia 76ers is very much up in the air. Thanks to James Harden, who has put the organization in an almost untenable position this offseason, the Sixers have plenty of uncertainty right now.
They could be on the verge of a lost season and if the Sixers do end up taking a big step back this season, it would almost definitely force Joel Embiid to reevaluate his standing with the team.
It’s been such a demoralizing summer for the Sixers that there is already a growing expectation that Embiid could be the next superstar to ask for a trade. If he does, there may be one team he’s already looking forward to playing for.
According to NBA insider Chris Broussard, there are some whispers around NBA circles that suggest Embiid wants to play for the New York Knicks. This is not the first whispers of Embiid being linked to the Knicks but from all indications, this possibility still very much relies on Embiid actually pushing for it to happen.
Will Joel Embiid ever demand a trade?
Embiid still has three guaranteed years remaining on his current contract and can’t freely test free agency until 2026 at the earliest. However, there is one way in which he could find his way to the Knicks, if it’s true that’s where he wants to play next, earlier than 2026. And that involves Embiid demanding a trade.
Interestingly enough, the Knicks are one of the few teams around the league that have the necessary assets it would take to make a trade for a player as good as Embiid. If there is a bidding war for Embiid, the Knicks would likely be at the front of that line. Especially if their reported interest is genuine.
It should be, considering the Knicks have a good enough supporting cast that an addition of Embiid could help make this team become a contender in the Eastern Conference. The big question is whether Embiid would ever demand a trade away from the Sixers.
If it does happen, it could come sooner rather than later. Philadelphia is likely going to trade James Harden and if they aren’t able to land another star in his place, the Sixers are going to have to make a big decision about its future. As will Embiid.
If Embiid does want to play for the Knicks, there’s a natural path for it to happen. It takes Embiid to demand a trade to get the wheels going. But that’s far from a guarantee.