2. Knicks make historic offer but still not enough
The Clippers gave up five first-round draft picks, two first-round pick swaps, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Danilo Gallinari when they acquired Paul George from the Thunder. Landing PG13 meant getting Kawhi Leonard in free agency, but that is the type of package Morey would want for Embiid.
The Knicks have the assets to meet or exceed it. They could trade eight first-rounders plus three additional swaps. New York won’t offer that many. They would prefer to offset it with talent in a deal like this.
Landing five first-round picks matches the record and gives Daryl Morey multiple avenues to explore with his roster. If he stays in Philadelphia, the Sixers president would likely attempt to trade them for a star to get back into contention quickly. That only works if the 76ers get more current talent back in this trade.
76ers grade: B+
This would be top dollar for most teams, even for the reigning MVP, but the Philadelphia 76ers know they can get more. The Knicks have waited for more than one year to make this move. It is Philly with all the leverage, and Morey will use it to ensure that R.J. Barrett and a massive haul of draft capital are included.