The report on October 27, 2023, stated that Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers had not asked for a trade despite rumors that the New York Knicks were interested in acquiring him. The Knicks were supposedly offering a package including three starters and multiple first-round draft picks for the reigning MVP.
According to sources, the Knicks were willing to trade Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, and/or Evan Fournier to the 76ers in exchange for Embiid. The team also had several first-round picks available. However, fans and reporters quickly dismissed the rumors of Embiid going to the Knicks, believing the trade was unlikely to happen.
The betting odds for the upcoming NBA season were also discussed in the article. The Boston Celtics were considered the favorites to win the Atlantic Division, with the 76ers and Knicks trailing behind. The 76ers had a higher chance of winning the Eastern Conference compared to the Knicks, according to oddsmakers.
Daryl Morey, the general manager of the 76ers, was known for taking his time with trades, and the article mentioned that the Knicks would have to wait until the trade deadline in February 2024 if they wanted to pursue a deal for Embiid.
The article also touched on the drama surrounding James Harden, who had expressed a desire to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Morey’s difficult relationship with Harden was highlighted, with the former Nets player set to return to the 76ers after skipping the preseason.
The Knicks had been trying to acquire a big-name star for a few seasons, with Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard previously on their radar. However, they missed out on both players due to trades made by other teams. Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves was also mentioned as a potential target for the Knicks.
Overall, the article provided a detailed look at the trade rumors involving Joel Embiid and the New York Knicks, as well as the broader context of the NBA’s upcoming season and player movements.