The Key Three in the New York Knicks' Hunt For a Superstar Trade

The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in adding a star. As it stands, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Joel Embiid stand out.

As always, the New York Knicks are at the center of NBA trade speculation. Last offseason, it was all about Donovan Mitchell before the Knicks committed to RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson. This season, the Knicks will surely be in the run for a postseason appearance, but behind the dominant Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks, a deep run seems unlikely. 

It's thus no surprise that the Knicks are looking for an established superstar that will put them among the East's elite.

According to a report from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the Knicks have centered on Mitchell, Joel Embiid, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks have Evan Fournier and Julius Randle to swap salaries, but the most intriguing assets they hold are the 11 first-round picks they hold between next year and 2030.

Of course, the Knicks will have to convince each star's current employer to barter. The Cavaliers are holding strong with the core that led them to a four-seed last season while the Timberwolves are forced to engage in win-now mode after mortgaging their future on the poorly-aging Rudy Gobert trade with Utah. 

Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers are a bit more complicated: if James Harden forces his way out of Philadelphia, the Sixers might consider tearing down the ill-fated “Process” and start over. The best way for them to do that quickly would be to add as many draft picks as possible in a short amount of time. 

For example, if they dealt with the Knicks, the Sixers could receive Fournier, Randle, and a whopping five first-round picks. In such a scenario, three of those would be the Knicks’ own while the other two would come from Dallas (top 10 protected) and Milwaukee (top four protected).

In his MVP season, Joel Embiid averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists / USA TODAY SPORTS

Adding a reigning MVP doesn’t come cheap, but putting Embiid down low with the best point guard talent he’s had, alongside wings in Josh Hart and RJ Barrett would give him the best roster he’s had since he and prime Ben Simmons linked up with Jimmy Butler in 2019.

Embiid would immediately make the Knicks one of the favorites to win the East. With respect to Mitchell Robinson, it’s been several years since the Knicks had an elite and powerful center, and it’s also been a while since the Knicks have been serious contenders. 

For a price, the Knicks are fully capable of fixing both lingering issues.