The Philadelphia 76ers worked hard to put their current core together. Soon, it could fall apart. We’ve all heard the James Harden rumors this NBA offseason. Apparently, he wants out of Philadelphia. Could they have a domino effect?
It’s concerning. The Sixers do not have the means to replace Harden. This team is low on draft capital, and besides Tyrese Maxey, they don’t have the young players to trade for a star. They won’t be able to replace Harden.
Could Joel Embiid follow? If Harden leaves, and the Sixers regress, it’s not difficult to imagine Embiid requesting a trade sooner than later. Here are three teams we think should keep an eye on him.
New York Knicks
Surely, you expected to see the New York Knicks here. After all, they’ve already been linked to Embiid. This partnership makes sense. The Knicks have the biggest stage in the NBA, and Embiid is one of the league’s greatest showmen.
The Knicks also have the assets to make this happen. Whatever the Sixers want, they could likely provide. Meanwhile, the Knicks shouldn’t hesitate to give it to them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
It’s almost difficult to justify an Embiid deal – in the sense that it’s too easy. He doesn’t fit with Mitchell Robinson? Trade Robinson. His price tag is too high? Pay it anyway. This is the league’s reigning MVP. Could he make a move to the Western Conference?
Oklahoma City Thunder
By contrast, this is a bolder proposition. Some will say that the Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t in the right situation to trade for Embiid. Fair enough. The Thunder missed the playoffs this season. Should they sink their assets into the league’s MVP?
We think so. The Thunder have so many picks – arguably, they have too many. This team will never be able to use them all to draft and develop players. Why not consolidate?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Embiid as a primary rim protector with Chet Holmgren working the weak side could give the Thunder an elite defense. Meanwhile, he’ll be teaming up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to carry what ought to be a competitive defense. Of course, to keep all those guys together, the Thunder would have to trade a lot of picks. Could the Sixers prefer a young player for Embiid?
New Orleans Pelicans
If the Sixers do prefer a young player, they should give the New Orleans Pelicans a call. They’ve got a couple of them. This summer alone, we’ve seen both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram in trade rumors. Will the Pelicans move one of them eventually?
Time will tell. With that said, if Embiid is on the table, the Pelicans will have to consider it. In fact, it’s even been rumored that the Pelicans are in the market for a better defensive big.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Embiid is one of the best in the NBA. Whichever of their young stars the Pelicans move for Embiid, the deal should make them better. Meanwhile, acquiring Williamson or Ingram would give the Sixers a fresh start. In time, they could have a new core competing for the NBA title.
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