Joel Embiid 76ers' Future Uncertain; Knicks Trade Coming?

The New York Knicks could be a trade destination for Joel Embiid if he asks to be dealt by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jeremy Brener | Jul 17, 2023

In this story:

New York Knicks

A rival of the New York Knicks could look very different in the foreseeable future.

Reigning MVP Joel Embiid, 29, is growing slightly frustrated with the Philadelphia 76ers after three consecutive second-round defeats in the playoffs.

Speaking with Maverick Carter at the inaugural UNINTERRUPTED Film Festival, Embiid made some comments hinting at uncertainty when it comes to his future with the team.

"I just want to win a championship,” Embiid said. “Whatever it takes. I don't know where that's going to be. Whether it's in Philly or anywhere else. I just want to have a chance."

"Anywhere else" could be the Knicks, who have reportedly been interested in Embiid for months.

“Embiid has been mentioned for months around league circles as the Knicks’ ideal trade candidate," New York Daily News reporter Stefan Bondy writes. "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.”

After another second-round washout (its third seven-game defeat in the conference semifinals over the last five years), the 76ers fired head coach Doc Rivers and brought aboard former Toronto Raptors boss and 2019 NBA champion Nick Nurse. James Harden subsequently, requested a trade that leaves Philadelphia's (and Embiid's) future in doubt.

Embiid inked a four-year, $210 million contract extension in August 2021 and has a $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season, meaning he has at least three years left before hitting free agency.

If the Knicks have the opportunity to trade for the MVP, they will likely have to be willing to part ways with pretty much every asset they have.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Knicks? Click Here.

Follow AllKnicks.com on Twitter.

Want even more New York Knicks news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published Jul 17, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.