76ers: Grading 4 Knicks trade packages for Joel Embiid from trash to cash

The Philadelphia 76ers created a mess that could reach DEFCON 1 if Joel Embiid requests a trade. It hasn’t happened yet, but things will only get worse in the James Harden situation. The ten-time All-Star has demanded a trade, but Daryl Morey is holding out for a massive return. Fans saw his stubbornness in the Ben Simmons saga, but Embiid’s happiness should be the team’s top priority. Will the reigning MVP waste a prime season with a subpar supporting cast?

Do not expect a dramatic improvement in the Harden drama. He may report to camp, but fans have seen The Beard quietly quit on his team before. Nothing is stopping him from doing that in Philadelphia and that could only further upset Embiid.

The New York Knicks have been chasing a superstar and are already ramping up the recruitment of the reigning MVP. Knicks president Leon Rose and senior advisor William Wesley were Embiid’s agents before joining New York’s front office, and both attended his wedding (subscription required). New York has interest, but what can they offer? Michael Saenz of Sir Charles in Charge outlined four trade packages for Philadelphia to consider.

Grading Knicks trade packages for Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid from trash to cash

4. Knicks trash offer for Joel Embiid

Daryl Morey and the Sixers have zero reason to trade Joel Embiid at a discount. He has led the league in scoring back-to-back years and is a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Trading him means a rebuild begins in Philadelphia. The 76ers should focus on young talent and draft picks in any package for Embiid.

The Knicks have all of their first-round picks plus four from other teams. They can make a monster offer and have patiently waited for a superstar. Saenz offered this as the starting point for talks.

Daryl Morey will use completed trades to set the market for Embiid. The Suns gave up four first-rounders, one first-round pick swap, and one second-rounder with Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson to land Kevin Durant. The Jazz gave up four firsts, one swap, four role players, and the 22nd pick in the 2022 draft to get Rudy Gobert. Morey will want top dollar for the reigning MVP, and this does not cut it.

76ers grade: D

The Sixers president might immediately hang up after this trash offer. The Knicks attempt to keep R.J. Barrett and refuse to offer a fifth first-round pick. Embiid is in his prime and one of the five best players in the world. There is no way the Philadelphia 76ers let him walk for this price.