A river uprooted, gain of fishermen. This classic expression heard so many times has been an open slot for the New York Knicks for weeks. The New York franchise, which is experiencing a quiet summer after an excellent 2022-23 campaign, not only has in mind making small touches to its roster with acquisitions like Donte DiVincenzo, but it is also looking at weapons to launch with everything if one of the best players in the NBA gets within range. Yes, we’re talking about Joel Embiid, who has recently stated that he wants to win, whether it’s on one team or the other.
As reported by journalist Keith Pompey of Philadelphia Inquirer, seeing the Cameroonian center playing in the Big Apple is perfectly possible. Although those from ‘the city that never sleeps’ have not made any move in this direction so far –we are referring to contacting the 76ers–, they have been preparing at the asset level to launch with everything if Embiid were to ask for the transfer.
Although until recently it seemed impossible that the center demanded to leave Philadelphia, the present invites us not to see things so clearly. The team was not bad in the playoffs, but fell again in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In addition, the other star of the team, James Harden, has requested to be traded to another team, so it remains to be seen that the Sixers achieve something juicy in return to be considered ring contenders in the 2023-24 campaign.
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The truth is that the situation of the Pennsylvania organization is more than complicated. The fact that Harden is still in the team and that there has even been talk of convincing him to reverse his decision, may perfectly respond to the fact that the offers received do not reach what they need to make Embiid happy. Some team may put several first-round draft picks on the table –it remains to be seen–, but that would completely smack of reconstruction and an ‘invitation’ for their franchise player to want to jump ship.
By the time that hypothetical day arrives when the Embiid is available, the Knicks have chosen to keep all their first rounds and stay crouched down -reports the aforementioned journalist-, and it even seems that the fact of keeping in the roster to Evan Fournier you could answer the same. The Frenchman does not count in the slightest for Tom Thibodeu, but we are talking about a salary of 18.8 million dollars that they could need to undertake an operation of such magnitude. And another point in favor of this movement: Joel Embiid has a house in New York.
Fitting in with Brunson
To date, the Knicks market has been characterized by maintaining the block that gave such good performance last year and propping up some positions. However, that they pull the trigger to get the current NBA MVP is more than likely. Assuming Jalen Brunson is untouchable, seeing them move other pieces like Julius Randle is far from unreasonable. In this regard, and questioned by the stars that could interest those of the Eastern Conference, Fred Kratz of The Athletic He explains that Embiid could be a perfect fit for Brunson and that it would not be surprising if the Madisonians moved in this direction.
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The final jump?
The Knicks are a very good team, but at the moment no one hangs the sign of contender. That’s how it is. It is assumed that they will do good regular season and that they will give war to whoever takes the lead in the playoffs, but in the same way, analysts agree that there are more talented teams that are ahead. How to change that? Well, with an addition like Embiid.
The current NBA MVP comes off a 2022-23 campaign in which he has averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. His numbers have been simply beastly and his impact on the Knicks would not be less. In addition, if they got hold of him, they would have his presence guaranteed for three years, the fourth of them being a player option. It is true that the package that they would have to put on the table to achieve this would be immense, but it is difficult to find arguments to say that it would not be worth it.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
2023-07-24 09:05:30
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