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.
3. 76ers get intrigued but far from excited
The Knicks have been interested in acquiring a star for over a year. They passed on Donovan Mitchell and have not jumped at the chance to acquire Damian Lillard or James Harden. New York is waiting for a superstar who can be the best player on a championship team.
If Embiid becomes available, the Knicks won’t miss out by trying to lowball Philadelphia. They will quickly put R.J. Barrett in the deal, but is that enough?
Barrett has All-Star potential. The number three overall pick in 2019 has improved every year but must iron out his defense and efficiency to reach his ceiling. Do the Philadelphia 76ers want to build around Barrett and Tyrese Maxey? If they believe both can become stars, this deal is more interesting.
76ers grade: C+
The New York Knicks are getting in the ballpark, but Daryl Morey will demand more draft capital and talent.
Immanuel Quickley continues to improve and looks like a strong rotation piece for years to come, but he is not a star. Evan Fournier may never make the 76ers rotation and is overpaid if he does. This package centers on two young talents and three first-round picks, which is not enough for the reigning MVP.
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.
1. 76ers get a cash offer for Joel Embiid
If the Knicks want Embiid, they should be prepared to go all-in. Daryl Morey will ask for the largest return in NBA history for the reigning MVP, and waiting is no issue. Once he sets a price in his mind, there is no going below it. Morey will hold out until someone matches it.
The Knicks do not want to give up R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Quentin Grimes in the same package, but that will be the price for the reigning MVP. Morey will ask for the maximum draft capital too to complete the deal.
Does New York say no? The Thunder have more draft capital and plenty of intriguing young players to put into the deal. Embiid’s relationships with the Rockets and Heat could give them leverage. This is the Knicks’ chance, and they cannot afford to let it slip away.
76ers grade: A+
The Philadelphia 76ers are not getting a better offer unless someone throws a superstar into their package. Daryl Morey has five first-round picks to rebuild the roster, plus four rotation-ready pieces right now. The Knicks would lack depth, but their starting five would be among the best in the NBA. This deal allows Philly to turn things around quickly without enduring another “Process”.
Will Joel Embiid request a trade? Would the Philadelphia 76ers deal him to the New York Knicks? Anything is possible, given the current drama, so stay tuned for the latest.
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