If you want to win, you’ve got to stay a step ahead of the competition. That’s true in the NBA as well. The best general managers are always anticipating their next move.
With that in mind, Daryl Morey of the Philadelphia 76ers is doing a lot of thinking lately. He has to be. James Harden has requested a trade. By now, it’s evident that the relationship between him and Morey is irrevocably repaired. Morey is going to have to trade Harden – could there be some fallout once he does?
Some have speculated that there might be. If Morey is forced to trade Harden for below-market value, could Joel Embiid see the writing on the wall? Could a trade request from him follow? If so, here’s a deal that sends him to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Zion Williamson, 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Joel Embiid
As NBA writers, we’ve got to stay a step ahead as well. Sometimes, that means reading between the lines. We’ve got to make deductions based on the information that we’ve got.
For example, it was widely rumored that the Pelicans were shopping Williamson around the draft. Some speculated that they were willing to move him for a top lottery pick. So, we’re deducing that, at the right price, they’re willing to move Williamson.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
We’ve also heard that the Pelicans are looking for a defensive big man. So, we can deduce that they might have an interest in Embiid. All of this reasoning led us to write this hypothetical trade. Does it actually make sense for the Pelicans?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Giving up on Williamson won’t be easy. When the Pelicans drafted him, he was supposed to change their organization. With that said, if the Pelicans made this deal, he would – indirectly.
After all, they’d be flipping him for the league’s reigning MVP. Embiid can be a dominant presence on both ends of the floor. He’s an elite post scorer and stationary rim protector. Meanwhile, these Pelicans feel well-built to support the superstar big man.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
They’ve got a co-star waiting for him. Arguably, Brandon Ingram would be the best-fitting running mate Embiid ever had. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have a platoon of quality defenders. If they can find a taker for Jonas Valanciunas, they could add to what should be a contending core with Embiid. Should the Sixers help them put that core together?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Saying goodbye to Embiid won’t be easy, either. This is The Process. Embiid was supposed to be the fruits of a laborious tanking process. With that said, the Sixers won’t make this deal unless Embiid forces their hand. If he does, is this a sensible return?
That depends on your perspective. It’s certainly a bold move. Plenty of fans would expect the Sixers to move Embiid for a package featuring more first-round picks. Sure. On the other hand, how many of those picks are likely to yield players who can produce at an MVP level?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
After all, that’s what Williamson can do when he’s healthy. Of course, his frequent injuries are a concern. This is a risky decision for the Sixers. On the other hand, if it pays off, it could put them a step ahead of their competition.
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