The Jokic-to-Knicks Rumor: A Seismic Shift?
Alright, let's get this out of the way: the whispers around Nikola Jokic potentially landing with the New York Knicks feel like something out of a video game. But here's the thing: sometimes, the wildest rumors have a tiny kernel of truth, or at least a compelling hypothetical. We're talking about a two-time MVP, a reigning Finals MVP, arguably the best player in the world, being linked to MSG. It's a lot to process.
The chatter, as I understand it from folks close to the situation, isn't about Jokic actively seeking a move. Not yet, anyway. It's more about the Knicks' front office, specifically Leon Rose and William Wesley, doing their due diligence on every single superstar who might, in some distant future, become available. And let's be honest, if Jokic ever even hinted at a desire to leave Denver, every single team would be calling. The Knicks, with their draft capital and market appeal, would be at the front of the line. Remember when Kevin Durant was available? The Knicks were there. Same with Donovan Mitchell in 2022.
Now, why the 76ers get looped into this? It’s simple: Joel Embiid. The idea, outlandish as it sounds, is a three-team framework. Philly, after another early playoff exit and with Embiid's own future often a topic of speculation, might be convinced to move their superstar center to Denver in exchange for a package that includes draft picks and role players. It’s a complete re-tooling for them, but one that could, theoretically, fetch a massive return for a player who, despite his brilliance, hasn't gotten them past the second round.
Tactical Fit: How Jokic Changes Everything
Imagine Jokic in a Knicks uniform. The offensive possibilities are genuinely staggering. Jalen Brunson, already a maestro in the pick-and-roll, would have the greatest passing big man in NBA history as his running mate. Brunson averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season. With Jokic, those assist numbers would surge, and his scoring efficiency would likely climb even higher due to the constant open looks Jokic creates. The Knicks, who ranked 11th in offensive rating last season, would immediately jump into the top-3, no question.
Jokic's ability to orchestrate the entire offense from the high post or the elbow would fundamentally alter the Knicks' identity. RJ Barrett, or whoever occupies the wing, would feast on backdoor cuts and kick-out passes. Julius Randle, if he were still on the roster in such a scenario, would get easier looks and less defensive attention. The entire flow would be transformed from a more isolation-heavy attack to a free-flowing, beautiful game of basketball. His defensive impact is often understated, too. While not a rim protector in the traditional sense, his positional awareness and ability to gobble up rebounds (12.4 RPG last year) are elite. The Knicks were 7th in defensive rating in 2023-24. They wouldn't suddenly become a bad defensive team with him.
For the 76ers, acquiring Embiid would give them a new focal point. Embiid, a seven-time All-Star, put up 34.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in 2023-24. He brings a different kind of dominance, more reliant on brute force and scoring volume. In Denver, he'd be surrounded by a strong supporting cast in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., and a coach in Michael Malone who has proven he can maximize superstar talent. It's a different look, but still a contender-level roster.
The Financial Tightrope and Trade Comparables
This is where the fantasy meets reality. Jokic is currently on a five-year, $276 million supermax deal that runs through the 2027-28 season. He's due $51.4 million next season. Embiid is on a four-year, $213 million deal that goes through 2026-27, with a player option for 2027-28, earning $49.5 million next year. Matching salaries in any trade involving these two behemoths would be a monumental task. The Knicks would have to send out a package centered around Julius Randle ($30.3 million next year), potentially Mitchell Robinson ($14.3 million), and then some combination of other players and draft picks. They've got picks aplenty – four first-rounders in 2024 and others down the line.
Think about the Kevin Durant trade to Phoenix in 2023. The Suns sent out Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. That's the baseline for a player of Durant's caliber. Jokic is arguably a step above that. A Jokic trade would likely command an even more staggering haul of picks, possibly up to six or seven first-rounders and multiple swaps, along with young talent. The Knicks have been stockpiling those assets for precisely this kind of move. They own their own picks and have acquired several from other teams over the last few years.
The Nuggets, if they were to move Jokic, would demand an unprecedented package. They'd want players who can contribute immediately, young talent with high upside, and enough draft capital to rebuild or retool around Embiid. A hypothetical deal might look like: Jokic to Knicks; Embiid to Nuggets; Randle, Robinson, multiple Knicks first-round picks, and Quentin Grimes to the 76ers. The 76ers would then get a fresh start with a ton of assets.
Impact on Both Sides of the Deal
For the Knicks, acquiring Jokic instantly elevates them to legitimate championship contention. They go from a strong playoff team to a true title favorite alongside Boston and Denver (or whoever gets Embiid). The pressure would be immense, but the potential reward is an NBA championship, something the franchise hasn't seen since 1973. Madison Square Garden would be absolutely electric every single night. Season ticket prices, already sky-high, would probably require a second mortgage.
For the Nuggets, losing Jokic would be devastating, but getting Embiid would soften the blow considerably. They'd still have a top-tier superstar and a championship-tested core in Murray and Porter. They'd remain a contender in the Western Conference. They wouldn't be starting from scratch, but it would fundamentally alter their identity. Malone would have to adjust his entire system, moving from a free-flowing, pass-heavy offense to one that leans more on Embiid's post-up game and mid-range prowess.
The 76ers, in this scenario, would be hitting the reset button. They'd finally move on from the Embiid-Harden (and before that, Simmons) era, which consistently fell short in the playoffs. They'd gain a treasure trove of draft picks and young players like Grimes, allowing them to build a new contender around Tyrese Maxey. It’s a risky move, but one that could set them up for long-term success if their scouting department hits on those picks. It's my slightly controversial take that for the 76ers, this might actually be the best long-term play, despite the immediate pain of losing Embiid.
Bold prediction: While the chances are slim, if the Nuggets somehow stumble early next season and the Knicks remain hot, a truly desperate Denver front office could be tempted to explore a deal for Jokic by the 2025 trade deadline, making this wild scenario a real possibility.