Look at us. We’re writing Joel Embiid trade pieces, and he hasn’t even issued a trade request. Such is life in the NBA. There are legitimate reasons to believe Embiid won’t be with the Philadelphia 76ers for much longer.
In fact, there’s already speculation about where Embiid will land next. To hear insiders tell it, Embiid is already a New York Knick – if he isn’t a Houston Rocket. To be sure, there are reasons he could land on either of those squads. They both have assets, Embiid is close with Rockets coach Imo Udoka, and New York, last we checked, was in New York.
Are there other teams with assets? You bet. Meanwhile, Embiid is the league’s reigning MVP. If he does become available, he’ll have a robust market. Here are three dark horse suitors for his services.
Oklahoma City Thunder
This would be quite the departure for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ve spent the last several seasons developing young players and hoarding draft picks. Here, they’d be unloading a huge number of their assets.
With that said, they’ll have to eventually do that anyway. The Thunder have far too many first-round picks to use in the draft. Eventually, they’ll have to consolidate their assets. What better use will they find for them than the league’s reigning MVP?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
The Thunder may have reservations. They may opt to see what they have with this young group before going all-in on a superstar like Embiid. With that said, they’re a team to keep an eye on. Is there another small market team with assets to burn on Embiid?
New Orleans Pelicans
Apparently, the New Orleans Pelicans are looking for a stronger defensive big than Jonas Valanciunas. Embiid fits the bill. On the other hand, acquiring him might be overkill. The Pelicans may be looking for a specialist.
On the other hand, we’ve heard the rumors. It’s been said that the Pelicans could make Zion Williamson available. Brandon Ingram has been in trade rumors as well. If the Pelicans wanted to make a run for Embiid, they’d have a handful of intriguing offers they could make.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Should they want to make those offers? It depends. Embiid’s interest in playing in New York has long been rumored. Is market size a major concern for him? If so, is there a team besides the Knicks that could be attractive to him?
Brooklyn Nets
Does Embiid want to play for the Knicks? We’re not sure. It’s simply a rumor. Let’s say he’s got some interest. Here’s a follow-up question: does Embiid want to play for the Knicks, or does he want ti play in New York?
If it’s the latter, the Brooklyn Nets should be an option. They’ve got more assets than the Knicks. Moreover, they’ve got a talented group of players. Embiid would be joining Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson as the backbone of an elite defensive team with some offensive abilities as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
There’s an elephant in the room here. If the Nets wanted to make a run at Embiid, they’d have to either send Ben Simmons back to Philly or find a third team to get involved. For the Sixers, that’s a moot point. They can absorb Simmons’ contract if it’s coming with five or six first-round picks attached. The Nets should be happy to surrender that price for Embiid – if he’s even available, of course.
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