NBA Rumours: Reigning MVP Regarded As Eastern Conference Team's Top Trade Target

 

The NBA off-season has been utterly crazy thus far, with many big deals being handed out, as well as surprise free agent moves and even some trades, but with the Damian Lillard and James Harden trade situations, it's clearly not going to slow down any time soon.

According to reports, a Harden move could trigger even more chaos, as the New York Knicks are reportedly eyeing Joel Embiid as their 'top trade target', and given the improvements they made at guard and his connection to CAA (current President of Basketball Operations Leon Rose was Embiid's agent when he came to the NBA), it's a move that makes plenty of sense.

Joel Embiid has been mentioned around league circles as New York’s ideal trade candidate if he ever demands out, per @SBondyNYDN

“If Harden is out, what does that mean for the Sixers’ contending timeline and Joel Embiid, in particular? Embiid, the league’s reigning MVP, has… pic.twitter.com/P1GKT4uOmz

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 30, 2023

If the 76ers do indeed move Harden, then moving Embiid would give them a massive head start on a rebuild or a re-tool, and given the state of the franchise beyond the reigning MVP and Tyrese Maxey, it may be the way to go, and with the Knicks plethora of draft picks and future capital, it may work out for both teams. 

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports