NBA fans were surprised to find out that the New York Knicks were interested in acquiring Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid. As most of us might be aware, things have not been going too well for the 76ers. Despite having tanked and trusted the process, they have been unable to even make the Eastern Conference Finals, let alone win a title.
Embiid was drafted all the way back in 2014 but has not helped carry the franchise to a championship. Perhaps he is not to blame since the 76ers have been going through a lot of struggles. Now, a report has emerged that the New York Knicks are looking to add the 2023 NBA MVP to their roster. Let us take a better look and find out what is going on.
Will Joel Embiid leave the Philadelphia 76ers to join the New York Knicks?
At first glance, the answer would appear to be no. However, if we take a closer look at the situation this postseason, both the Knicks and the 76ers went the same distance and were eliminated in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Despite having a 3-2 lead on the Boston Celtics, the 76ers failed to close out the series and ultimately ended up losing in 7 games. As a result of that, they even fired their veteran coach Doc Rivers. That might be taken as a sign by players like Harden and Embiid that it is time to move on.
Coming back to the Knicks, they have Jalen Brunson who has proven to be a real talent this postseason. Pairing him and Embiid up would allow the Knicks to turn into true contenders. Even if that means losing players like Julius Randle in the process.
Although the creation of this duo would certainly appease Knicks fans, it is only a rumor at the moment. After all, the official report merely claims that the Knicks are on the lookout and will take action only if Embiid demands a trade from the 76ers.
The New York Knicks are monitoring Joel Embiid’s situation in Philadelphia, per @espn_macmahon
“They’ve looked at that situation in Philly and there’s been a hope in New York that stuff in Philly will go haywire to the point where Embiid will ask out.” 👀
(Via Hoop Collective) pic.twitter.com/yjUF1msujA
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 1, 2023
Until Embiid demands a trade and the news becomes public, there is no real reason for this report to turn to action. He might just do so if Harden ends up leaving and the 76ers are unable to remain a contender in the Eastern Conference.
