NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid

3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid: New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have been one of the worst franchises in basketball ever since the turn of the millennium and have only had two 50 win seasons in that span. For two over the last three seasons, the Knicks have finished with a top-5 record in the East and surprised fans and pundits last year as they upset the Cavaliers in the first round.

The Knicks had a very successful season last year mainly because of Jalen Brunson’s development and Julius Randle’s bounce back campaign. They also received contributions from Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jericho Sims, RJ Barrett and Sixth Man of the Year candidate Immanuel Quickley. Great hustle form Josh Hart and impressive coaching from Tom Thibodeau didn’t hurt, either.

The Knicks were unable to make drastic offseason improvements as many star players were not available but, if Joel Embiid is for hire, the Knicks should jump at the opportunity. He is just the superstar that the city of New York desperately needs.

The Knicks would have to center a trade package around Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, potentially either RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley, and a bunch of picks for Embiid. Embiid will be able to give New York an advanced version of Randle’s offense, along with the same tenacity of Robinson on defense.

Embiid will benefit greatly from playing alongside Jalen Brunson. Brunson has shown he is fully capable of leading a team to the playoffs and winning a playoff series in both New York and Dallas.

The Knicks are a deep team. Having the extra depth will allow Embiid to not exert himself as much in the regular season so he can be fully healthy for the postseason. The Knicks have the best trade package in the league for Embiid and should be his top option if he does demand a trade.