Knicks Don't Have Right Offer to Land Joel Embiid amid Latest NBA Trade Rumors

The New York Knicks have long been regarded as an obvious suitor for the next NBA superstar to hit the trade market.

Especially if said superstar happens to be named Joel Embiid.

The Knicks have a good roster, but not quite a great one, so acquiring an elite talent like the reigning MVP might be their only option of lifting their ceiling to a championship level. Plus, they have a deep collection of draft picks and prospects to pony up in a blockbuster exchange.

Does New York actually have enough to land that caliber of player, though? Not based on the latest rumblings from the rumor mill, it appears. The Knicks are reportedly "willing to offer to offer" a package of three players among Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Evan Fournier and Mitchell Robinson plus two or three future first-round draft picks , per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

That is, admittedly, a lot of stuff, but it might have more quantity than quality appeal, which could really damper the Knicks' hopes of snagging Embiid or any other superstar.

Who's the Centerpiece?

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TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 02: Jalen Brunson #11, RJ Barrett #9, and Julius Randle #30 speak at a press conference during media day at the MSG Training Center on October 02, 2023 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

If the Sixers ever reach the point of dealing Embiid—and, to be clear, there's no reason to think Philadelphia is anywhere near that—they need to bring back some elite assets to help convince fans the sky isn't actually falling.

The Knicks have none of them in this reported offer.

If the Sixers are starting over (and they would be without Embiid), then why would they want Randle, a 28-year-old who can be really good but isn't great. Yes, he's a two-time All-NBA honoree, but his net differential in those seasons suggests his impact was never as great as his counting categories suggested (plus-0.2 points per 100 possessions in 2020-21, minus-0.5 points per 100 possessions this past season, per Basketball-Reference).

Barrett was the No. 3 pick of the 2019 draft, but it's been a while since anyone envisioned greatness ahead of him. He is a rock-solid (if a bit inefficient) inside-the-arc scorer with no other defining elements to his game. Robinson is a helpful rim-runner, but his offense range doesn't reach beyond the restricted area, and he's had trouble staying healthy (20-plus games missed in two of the past three seasons). Fournier is merely a money-matcher after spending the majority of last season outside of the Knicks' rotation.

Philly would need someone to build around after Embiid, but it wouldn't get a cornerstone in this swap.

Where Are the Prospects?

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Quentin Grimes #6 and Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks celebrate after defeating the Chicago Bulls at United Center on December 14, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The post-Embiid Sixers would be fully focused on the future. This package wouldn't do nearly enough to brighten their long-term outlook.

Of the four players mentioned as possible parts of New York's offer, only Barrett is under the age of 25. And even his prospect credentials might be questioned after seemingly plateauing over the past two seasons.

Because the Knicks don't have that one blue-chip trade prospect, they'd need to overwhelm the Sixers with quantity. Where is 24-year-old Immanuel Quickley or 23-year-old Quentin Grimes in these talks? They may not be enough to sway Philadelphia even, but at least the franchise could have something to think about.

Fournier is past his prime, Randle probably isn't getting better and unless Robinson suddenly uncovers some perimeter skills, he's likely nearing his peak. The Sixers may not consider any of them as long-term keepers, and they may not have enough trade value to flip them in future deals for players who would warrant that consideration.

The Draft Picks Aren't Good Enough

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CHICAGO,IL - MAY 17: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum announces the New York Knicks as the 11th overall pick for the NBA Draft during the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place on May 17, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images)

If you've ever heard talk of the Knicks' efforts to trade for a star, chances are you've heard some discussion of their collection of draft picks.

They certainly have plenty. As with the prospects, though, there isn't a can't-miss selection in the bunch. New York has four incoming first-rounders, but all of them have protection:

• 2024 from Dallas: top-10 protected in 2024 and 2025; would convert to 2025 second-round pick if not conveyed
• 2024 from Detroit: protected for picks 1-18 in 2024, 1-13 in 2025, 1-11 in 2026, 1-9 in 2027; would convert to 2027 second-round pick if not conveyed
• 2024 from Washington: protected for picks 1-12 in 2024, 1-10 in 2025, 1-8 in 2026; would convert to 2026 and 2027 second-round picks if not conveyed
• 2025 from Milwaukee: protected for picks 1-4; would be lost if not conveyed

What's the pick in that group that really moves the needle for Philadelphia? At best, you're hoping to add late lottery picks from the Wizards and Pistons in a few years, but who knows if that happens? The Knicks have their own firsts to offer, but if they'd be getting Embiid, those picks probably wouldn't be great—or maybe even good—for quite a while.

While it's hard to say what exactly the Sixers would seek in an Embiid megadeal, it seems obvious this Knicks' package isn't it.