The New York Knicks and France national team guard Evan Fournier doesn’t think Joel Embiid will play for Team USA, despite obtaining American citizenship. In a conversation with Toni Canyameras, the 30-year-old French also said he would welcome the Philadelphia 76ers star with open arms. “Joel Embiid with us? We’ll see,” Fournier told Mundo Deportivo. “He got US citizenship, but I don’t think he’ll play for the US. If he chooses France, he will be welcome. We will welcome him with open arms. We will be very competitive with another big man coming. We have something special that is being built.” -via BasketNews / January 25, 2023

New York is open to moving Fournier, but it has expressed no willingness to attach sweeteners to him just to get rid of his deal. It’s tried pairing him and Reddish together in trades, one way to bring back larger salaries, but The Athletic hasn’t learned of any traction on deals structured that way. -via The Athletic / January 25, 2023

Ian Begley: Evan Fournier is out for personal reasons tonight, Knicks say. Good personal reasons. Fournier and his wife had their baby today. It’s a boy. -via Twitter @IanBegley / January 24, 2023

One of the possible trade destinations for Westbrook, Utah, also remains a major catalyst ahead of the deadline. Any deal that sends Westbrook to the Jazz would almost certainly include veteran point guard Mike Conley, wing shooter Malik Beasley and forward Jarred Vanderbilt, but sources told Yahoo Sports that Utah’s front office has discussed various deals across the league with each of those three players — including several combinations of Beasley and Vanderbilt heading out of Salt Lake City together. -via Yahoo! Sports / February 4, 2023

Ironically, while Beasley was meeting with the Timberwolves and on the verge of agreeing to his contract, the current Knicks regime led by Leon Rose called to express interest in signing him, league sources told HoopsHype. Vanderbilt and Beasley have also been discussed as part of a trade package with the Atlanta Hawks for forward John Collins. The Suns have also expressed interest in trading for the duo. -via HoopsHype / February 4, 2023

In terms of a possible trade framework, multiple league sources have told DallasBasketball.com that Malik Beasley is a possible trade target for the Mavs in a deal that sends Finney-Smith to Utah. That’s not to say Beasley would be the only player in a proposed deal, but he is certainly a name to keep an eye on. -via Sports Illustrated / January 31, 2023

Jarred Vanderbilt’s name has also appeared amid the trade deadline conversation surrounding reserve big men, most notably with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told Yahoo Sports. While teams like the Indiana Pacers have viewed the 6-foot-9 Vanderbilt as an attractive option at power forward, Vanderbilt has been described by league personnel as a leading target in Philadelphia’s quest to fortify its frontcourt reserves behind Joel Embiid. -via Yahoo! Sports / February 4, 2023

The vultures are circling. Multiple teams have inquired about Alex Caruso, per sources. The Knicks have scouted Caruso of late and own first-round picks that could be dangled with a contract like Obi Toppin if the Bulls show any inclination of trading their defensive ace. The Golden State Warriors also are cited by league sources as a potential suitor. -via NBC Sports / January 27, 2023

Steve Popper: One big disclosure that we got to the bottom of — Obi’s Giants fandom: ” I ain’t gonna lie. I am a fake Giants fan. That’s just because I want Jalen to lose. I still love the Giants though. I’m from New York..” I fully support hoping to silence Eagles fans. -via Twitter @StevePopper / January 20, 2023

Fred Katz: Obi Toppin immediately upon me walking into the locker room: “Hey! Interview me right now. The Giants are gonna whoop the Eagles’ ass! And tag JB.” -via Twitter @FredKatz / January 16, 2023