NBA Trades: This swing-for-the-fences deal is a must for the Knicks

NBA Trade: New York Knicks

This theoretical trade would see the Knicks move two starters and a big expiring contract in addition to three first-round picks for Embiid. All things considered, that would be a worthwhile trade-off since it would give the Knicks the best big man they have had since Patrick Ewing in the 1990s.

Embiid would certainly be their best player in general since Carmelo Anthony during the 2012–13 season. With all-star Julius Randle and borderline all-star Jalen Brunson, the Knicks would have a terrific supporting cast to make them an instant contender post-trade and arguably the team to beat in the East. While the Miami Heat are in hot pursuit of Damian Lillard, even if they get him, they will have to fill out their roster after trading the farm to get him.

That wouldn’t be the case with New York, which would retain key rotation players such as Immanuel Quickley, Quinten Grimes, Josh Hart, and newly acquired guard Donte DiVincenzo. Of course, there would still be the Boston Celtics, who have undergone a fairly big offseason shakeup, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

However, the Celtics have disappointed several times in the playoffs in recent runs, and the Knicks have already beaten the Cavs without Embiid. There would certainly be a path for New York to make the NBA Finals if they completed the deal. Next, we’ll see how the Sixers would fair in this deal.