'Think Again!': NBA Exec Nixes Knicks' Joel Embiid Trade Rumor
As the weather warms across the tri-state area, New York Knicks fans received a douse of cold water ... one that's anything but welcome.
An anonymous NBA executive has knocked the idea of the Knicks acquiring newly-minted NBA MVP Joe Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers. Speaking with Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the executive met the idea with humor, referring to such a deal would be "pipe dream, but I am not sure what pipe that would come out of."
"It is a nice story, Embiid to the Knicks," the exec said. "But there’s no way it happens."
While the exec praised the draft cabinet the Knicks have acquired, they believe that the 76ers wouldn't give way their franchise face for mere selections ... unless it's one certain name in particular (consensus 2023 top prospect Victor Wembanyama, presumably on his way to lottery winner San Antonio).
"The Knicks have picks, that is their asset," the exec continued. "Philly is not looking to give up the MVP of the league for draft picks. That’s not their mode right now. They’re not desperate. Think again.”
Some have destined the Sixers to rebuilding in the wake of another second-round loss, this one coming in seven-game fashion at the hands of the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia has already bid head coach Doc Rivers farewell and some already expect James Harden to return to Houston.
Nothing except the forbidden, however, appears to be getting Embiid to New York, as the Sixers would reportedly ... and understandably ... want star representation to make up for his potential loss.
"Embiid is unrealistic for (the Knicks)," an anonymous general manager told Deveney. "They could give up, what, R.J. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson and maybe Julius Randle? Philly won’t do that, not this year or next year."
“Daryl Morey wants star players, that has always been his M.O. Give him a couple of stars at the top of the roster and he is one of the best at finding ways to fill out the rest of the roster, guys like Carl Landry and Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell. He is not going to trade Embiid for parts or for upside."
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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