If the Knicks were hoping to avoid seeing Joel Embiid in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey for the foreseeable future, they will have to think again. On Friday morning, the 76ers extended Embiid with a new three-year, $193 million maximum extension, which includes a player option for the 2028–29 season.
This monster deal will pay Embiid $59.5 million in the first year, escalating to $64.3 million and then $69 million in the final year. Given that Embiid is arguably the best player in basketball, the 76ers clearly believe he’s worth every penny.
Embiid’s Stellar 2024 Campaign
This past year, Embiid played just 39 regular-season games, but his impact was undeniable. He averaged 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, shooting .529 from the field. Although his season was derailed by injuries, Embiid had played a minimum of 66 games in the prior season, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force.
Despite being bothered by injury in the playoffs, Embiid still managed to average 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in six games, playing 41.3 minutes per contest against the Knicks. However, the 76ers were eventually ousted from the postseason.
Paul George Joins the 76ers as Key Addition
The 76ers have made some significant moves this off-season, parting ways with Tobias Harris but adding Paul George to their roster. George, coming from a Clippers team that underperformed in the playoffs, will be the 76ers’ primary third scorer. The 34-year-old played 74 games last year—his highest total since 2018—and made the All-Star team. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
The addition of George bolsters the 76ers’ roster, making them a formidable challenge for any team in the league.
Knicks’ Defensive Reinforcements
In response to the rising strength of teams like the 76ers, the Knicks have made some key defensive upgrades this off-season. They extended OG Anunoby on a lucrative deal worth $42 million per season and acquired Mikal Bridges to serve as another elite defensive wing. These moves were designed to counter the offensive firepower that teams like the 76ers, led by Embiid, now possess.
Knicks’ Center Depth Concerns
While the Knicks have strengthened their perimeter defense, they still have concerns at the center position. Julius Randle is not a long-term solution at the five, especially if the team expects him to hold up for an entire season. Mitchell Robinson, the team’s starting center, is already expected to miss most, if not all, of training camp.
President Leon Rose and the Knicks front office have taken a patient, calculated approach to filling this need, but it’s becoming clear that a lack of depth at center could be a glaring weakness as the season progresses.
The Road Ahead for the Knicks
As the 76ers continue to build around Embiid and now Paul George, the Knicks face the challenge of remaining competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. The Knicks have done well to reinforce their defensive capabilities, but addressing their center depth will be crucial if they hope to compete against teams like the 76ers in the playoffs.
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For now, the focus remains on maximizing their roster’s potential, and the next few months will likely determine if the Knicks are truly ready to challenge for a championship.