One of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Atlantic Division foes is reportedly “praying that” All-Star Joel Embiid will request a trade so that they can pursue him.
Embiid hasn’t outright requested a trade from the 76ers, but he made headlines last week when he stated his desire to win a championship with Philadelphia “or anywhere else” at the Uninterrupted Film Festival.
Many took this as a hint that Embiid may look to move on from the 76ers in the not-do-distant future. Despite consistent 50-win campaigns, the 76ers have failed to advance past the second round in the Embiid era.
During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio with Sam Mitchell and Evan Cohen (h/t Jeff Smith of Sports Illustrated), 76ers’ reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer stated that the New York Knicks are hoping that Embiid will request a trade.
Pompey added that he could also see the Knicks making a play for the reigning league MVP if he asks the 76ers for a trade:
“Joel already owns a house up in New York, he’s had it for a while. The worst-kept secret is that the Knicks have been compiling and keeping ahold of their first-round draft picks hoping, and praying that Joel Embiid asks out…I can see that absolutely happening”
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The 76ers found themselves one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals this past season, but the Boston Celtics beat them in Games 6 and 7 to win the series instead. The latest playoff disappointment prompted the front office to fire head coach Doc Rivers, and he was replaced by ex-Toronto Raptors’ head coach Nick Nurse.
An Embiid trade between now and the conclusion of next season feels highly unlikely. But if the 76ers experience another disappointing playoff exit, Embiid and the organization may ultimately decide that it’s time for a split.
