NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid Consistently Linked To Eastern Conf. Rival

With Joel Embiid's comment over the weekend that he wants to win a championship "whether it's in Philly or anywhere else," the rumors started up hot and heavy once again on the possibility of Embiid asking for a trade if the whole Harden mess becomes another Ben Simmons-like disaster. And once again, the New York Knicks are at the front of the line, according to those in the know.

NBA insiders tease possible Joel Embiid-Knicks pairing: ‘We’ve all heard New York’ https://t.co/ZiQ7A9BLz4 pic.twitter.com/Ztyn4jHEur

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 18, 2023

Knicks Insider Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News says “Embiid has been mentioned for months around league circles as the Knicks’ ideal trade candidate. Leon Rose, who served as Embiid’s agent before taking over New York’s front office, has accumulated a bevy of future draft picks — although some are protected and losing value — while demonstrating restraint in negotiations for stars lesser than the reigning MVP.”

ESPN's Dave McMenamin is saying the same thing. “That’s been what has been the murmurs. ... We’ve all heard New York, we know the connection between Leon Rose and Joel Embiid."

Embiid and the Sixers haven't made it out of the second round in his six playoff years in Philly, despite his earning six All-Star berths and his first MVP award.  

If Embiid ever does demand out, the Knicks, in fact, are currently installed as the betting favorite, at 2-1. 

The Knicks are the favorites to land Joel Embiid if Philadelphia trades him, per @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/2ryPCW0FkT

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 17, 2023

Their rivals from across the East River, the Brooklyn Nets, are second, at 5-2 odds. 

Last season, in earning the MVP, Embiid averaged a league-high 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. 

 Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports