Last summer, many New York Knicks fans were dreaming of a Joel Embiid trade. James Harden requested a trade and took shots at Daryl Morey. Sixers fans wondered what was to come for their favorite team.
It took way longer than expected, but Philadelphia traded Harden to Los Angeles. It became clear that Embiid wasn’t going anywhere. The trade was the right move for the Sixers, not only because it ended the drama. Harden’s departure paved the way for Tyrese Maxey to have a larger role.
Embiid went from a potential Knicks trade target to a villain. New York’s first-round playoff matchup against Philadelphia was one of the best series in the entire postseason, but it was a bloodbath. Embiid knew what he was doing when he from under him. He’s lucky that Robinson didn’t suffer another severe ankle injury.
Like the Knicks, the Sixers bolstered their roster this summer to catch up to the Celtics. Philadelphia was linked to OG Anunoby, but only if it struck out on Paul George. The Knicks re-signed Anunoby to a five-year deal before free agency officially began, and the Sixers signed George to a four-year max contract.
Over two months later, Philadelphia signed its MVP to an extension.
In a recent development that has captured the attention of the NBA world, Joel Embiid’s potential contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers could take an unexpected turn — one that might involve a surprising twist with the New York Knicks. While the Sixers are understandably focused on locking down their franchise player for the foreseeable future, rumors are swirling that the Knicks could be monitoring the situation closely, potentially looking to capitalize on any signs of discord between Embiid and Philadelphia’s front office. The idea of Embiid landing in New York might seem far-fetched at first glance, but the situation could develop in ways the Sixers might not anticipate.
Joel Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP and arguably the most dominant big man in the league, has been the face of the Philadelphia 76ers since being drafted in 2014. His incredible combination of size, skill, and agility has made him the cornerstone of the Sixers’ “Process” era. However, despite Embiid’s individual accolades, the Sixers have struggled to make deep playoff runs, often falling short of the NBA Finals despite high expectations.
This has left Embiid frustrated, and questions have emerged regarding his long-term future with the team. The 76ers’ inability to surround him with a consistent supporting cast — most notably the drama surrounding Ben Simmons’ departure and the up-and-down performances of James Harden — has caused some to wonder whether Embiid’s patience might be wearing thin. If the Sixers fail to make meaningful progress in the playoffs over the next year or two, Embiid could potentially explore other options, despite being the centerpiece of the franchise.
Enter the New York Knicks. The Knicks have been quietly positioning themselves to make a blockbuster move, and landing a superstar like Embiid could catapult them into legitimate title contention. The Knicks have a deep roster of young talent, a collection of valuable draft picks, and the financial flexibility to make a splash in the trade market. If Embiid were to grow discontent with his situation in Philadelphia, the Knicks could be one of the first teams to inquire about his availability.
More intriguingly, Embiid has already shown some affection for New York. In recent seasons, he’s hinted at his admiration for Madison Square Garden, referring to it as his favorite arena to play in outside of Philadelphia. Furthermore, his friendship with Knicks’ point guard Jalen Brunson, a former college teammate at Kansas, has led to speculation that a potential reunion in New York might appeal to Embiid.
For the Knicks, adding Embiid would give them the dominant inside presence they’ve lacked for years. Pairing him with Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett would instantly make them one of the most formidable teams in the Eastern Conference. With Tom Thibodeau’s defensive-minded coaching philosophy, Embiid could thrive in New York, bringing his elite shot-blocking and rebounding abilities to a team that has already made strides
For the Knicks to realistically acquire Joel Embiid, it would likely take a massive package of assets. Any potential deal would almost certainly include a combination of young players such as Quentin Grimes or Immanuel Quickley, along with a treasure trove of draft picks. The Knicks could also involve veterans like Randle to balance salaries. While it would require a hefty price, acquiring a player of Embiid’s caliber would be worth the cost, especially for a franchise that has been starved for success over the last two decades.
However, the Sixers won’t give up Embiid easily. As their franchise player and a perennial MVP candidate, they would do everything in their power to retain him. Extending his contract is a no-brainer for Philadelphia, but they will need to convince Embiid that they can build a title contender around him. That task has become increasingly difficult, especially with the ongoing Harden saga, which has created uncertainty about the Sixers’ future direction.
While the Sixers focus on securing Embiid’s long-term commitment, the Knicks are waiting in the wings. The opportunity to strike may not come immediately, but New York’s front office, led by Leon Rose, is known for being patient and strategic. If Embiid’s frustrations in Philadelphia grow — particularly if the Sixers fail to make a deep playoff run again — the Knicks could emerge as a prime destination for the All-Star center.
For the Knicks, landing Embiid would be a franchise-altering move. It would signal that New York is once again a premier destination for superstar talent, and it could vault them into championship contention. The Sixers, on the other hand, may not be expecting the Knicks to be a major player in this situation, but they would be wise to keep an eye on New York as they navigate Embiid’s future.
In the end, the Sixers’ ability to keep Joel Embiid happy and committed to the franchise will be crucial in determining their path forward. However, with the Knicks lurking and ready to pounce at the first sign of discontent, the possibility of a major shakeup could have a “Knicks twist” that the Sixers never saw coming.