After the latest in a long line of star exits for the 76ers, Joel Embiid may very well be the next one to punch his ticket out of town. As the situation grows increasingly volatile in Philadelphia, the word on the streets is that Embiid may be swayed by the thought of a potential title run with the New York Knicks.
“There is scuttlebutt around the league that Embiid wants to go to New York,” said Chris Broussard. “He’s not gonna come out and say it because he doesn’t want the backlash from fans in Philly… but there is scuttlebutt that he has his eyes on [the Knicks].”
Does Joel Embiid want to go to the Knicks? 😳
— @Chris_Broussard says there is "scuttlebutt" around the league that he does: pic.twitter.com/akhpGBCeD4
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) October 19, 2023
Embid, a 7-year NBA veteran, has shown nothing but loyalty to the 76ers so far and has been surprisingly tame during this battle with James Harden. But if this season turns out to be another dud, it could force him to reconsider his priorities, as well as the 76ers’ capacity for winning a championship. Obviously, the Knicks will be ready to make an offer should he ever become available.
The Knicks Are Waiting For A Star
In New York, the Knicks have been hoarding all of their assets in wait for a star. So far, with Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Mitchel Robinson, New York has been able to compete as a mid-level team in the East and even made a run to the Conference Semi-Finals last season. But with Joel Embiid, the Knicks could become a real contender.
As the reigning NBA MVP, Embiid took the world by storm last season after averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 54.8% shooting. With those kind of numbers, it’s clear that Embiid has what it takes to lead a team to a title. But after multiple failed attempts in Philly, he may be better off with the Knicks instead of continually trying his luck with a franchise that can’t get it right.
The Clock Is Ticking For The 76ers
Daryl Morey is trying his best to keep his team together, but James Harden himself has already admitted that relations between him and Morey are unfixable. Now, the only hope is for a quick resolution as the new NBA season approaches. Without a commitment from James, the team will look to Maxey, Tobias Harris, and others to help fill in the gaps and keep their title hopes alive. As for Embiid, only he knows how much longer he will be able to go on like this, but nobody can blame him if he gets tired of the drama.
Currently under contract until 2027, the 76ers still have time to make something of this messy situation, but it’s hard to recover after losing two All-Stars in the span of three seasons. The important thing for them now is to keep Embiid happy at all costs because there will be plenty of teams (the Knicks included) at the ready if he decides to seek a trade. Needless to say, the future of the 76ers franchise, of Embiid, and of the NBA itself hinges on the outcome of the season and it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out in the end.
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