As soon as Joel Embiid revealed that he is desperate to win a championship at any cost, the New York Knicks already appeared as potential suitors for the 2023 NBA MVP. Many fans might be aware that the Philadelphia 76ers star had a dominant season with his team and finally managed to win an MVP award. However, they were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the postseason.
Embiid most recently made statements that he wanted to win a championship whether it was with the 76ers or somewhere else. The second half of this statement indicates that Joel is looking to move on from the team in order to go ring chasing.
Although it is no guarantee that he will be able to achieve the same with the Knicks, reports have emerged that they are already on the lookout for a candidate like him. Here is more on this ongoing situation.
Will the New York Knicks trade for Joel Embiid?
One of the teams in the NBA that exceeded expectations this postseason was the New York Knicks. By adding Jalen Brunson to their roster, they managed to make it to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, they ended up losing to the Miami Heat in 6 games.
Coming back to Joel Embiid and the 76ers, he recently released a statement indicating that he4 was eager to win a championship with the 76ers or somewhere else. The second half of his initial statement has caused a lot of teams to wonder if Embiid will demand a trade and the Knicks are first in line if he does.
“I just want to win a championship, whatever it takes. I don’t know where that’s going to be, whether it’s in Philly or somewhere else…It’s not easy but every single day I work towards it.”
“I just want to win a championship, whatever it takes. I don’t know where that’s going to be, whether it’s in Philly or somewhere else…It’s not easy but every single day I work towards it.”
– Joel Embiid
(h/t @RTNBA ) pic.twitter.com/ehCUSIytdi
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 17, 2023
One of the main reasons that the Knicks are front runners for securing Embiid is the fact that his previous agent called Leon Rose is now the Knicks GM. Therefore, they certainly have a better chance when compared to other teams across the league in bringing Joel onto the roster.
“Embiid has been mentioned for months around league circles as the Knicks’ ideal trade candidate. Leon Rose, who served as Embiid’s agent before taking over New York’s front office, has accumulated a bevy of future draft picks — although some are protected and losing value — while demonstrating restraint in negotiations for stars lesser than the reigning MVP.”
Joel Embiid is an ‘ideal’ trade candidate for the Knicks, per @SBondyNYDN
“Embiid has been mentioned for months around league circles as the Knicks’ ideal trade candidate. Leon Rose, who served as Embiid’s agent before taking over New York’s front office, has accumulated a bevy… pic.twitter.com/AN82GblrDf
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 17, 2023
The Knicks have plenty of draft picks and assets to offer the 76ers a fair deal for Embiid if he wants to leave. However, we should remember that Embid doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract and won’t be a free agent until 2027.
