20 October 2023 , 14:07
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Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid could be looking to move on from the Philadelphia 76ers for one of their bitter rivals.
Reports have suggested that Embiid is interested in joining the New York Knicks, who look to be rebuilding with Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle - but remain a few star players away from competing in the Eastern Conference.
The news comes as a surprise after the Sixers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals themselves, but have had somewhat of a dysfunctional off-season after firing head coach Doc Rivers, along with fellow star player James Harden looking for a move away.
The news was reported by NBA analyst Chris Broussard on Fox Sports, who suggested that there is "scuttlebutt" regarding Embiid's future with the team.
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The report suggested that Embiid would like to play for the Knicks at some point in his career, and wouldn't be opposed to a trade happening. The news doesn't come at a great moment for the team, as they prepare for the new season with Embiid to lead the team to another successful season, meanwhile their fellow star, Harden, remains wanting out.
Harden had some extremely strong words for the Sixers leadership, even going as far as to call general manager Daryl Morey a "liar". The former MVP had been at his training camp in Shanghai when he launched a stunning tirade at Morey, after a proposed trade to the LA Clippers had collapsed.
Harden then stated that he 'will never play’ under Morey again, leading to an NBA investigation into the situation.
Joel Embiid has been reported to be interested in the New York KnicksThe Clippers and Sixers were engaged in trade talks this offseason, but could not come to an agreement in a deal, with the former not wanting to move on from Paul George, and looking to add Harden alongside him and Kawhi Leonard.
Harden did use his player option to sign on with the Sixers for a final year, where he will make £30 million this season, but still wants out of the team.
In a recent message, Harden told reporters: "This is in life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage. I wanted to retire a Sixer. And the front office didn’t have that in their future plans. I can control what I can control. I’m taking it one day at a time… my plan is to play basketball, that’s for sure.”
While potentially moving on from Harden, the Sixers will likely have no interest in trading Embiid - who could be yet to enter his prime years while being a dominant force in the league.