In theory, any NBA team should want to trade for a superstar if they’re available. In practice, it isn’t so simple. Many will maintain that a team should only trade for a superstar if they’re in the right situation to do it.
With that said, sometimes, teams ignore that advice. They may not be close to contention, but they trade for a star anyway. Sometimes, it works out. Talent reigns supreme in the NBA. If you’ve got one of the best players in the NBA, you’ve got a chance to compete.
Joel Embiid is one of the best players in the NBA. Recently, rumors suggest that he could be available on the trade market soon. The Toronto Raptors aren’t necessarily ready to trade for a star like Embiid. Could they do it anyway?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F OG Anunoby, F/C Chris Boucher, G/F Scottie Barnes, F Thaddeus Young, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2030 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: C Joel Embiid
Meanwhile, this wouldn’t be the first time in recent years that the Raptors made a trade for a star. The last time they did it, some people thought that they weren’t ready. The Raptors proved them wrong.
We’re talking about Kawhi Leonard. Granted, the Raptors were in a better situation than they are now. This was a perennial playoff team that couldn’t get over the hump. Leonard took them to the next level. The Raptors won the 2018-19 NBA title as a result.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Are we sure that a team can even “not be ready” to acquire a star? Don’t transcendent talents elevate their teams? Even the worst team in the NBA would be in the playoff hunt after acquiring Embiid. Should the Raptors use the same logic?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Often, teams worry about what they’ll have left over after acquiring a star. If a trade is going to leave you without assets, and without a strong enough supporting cast around your new star, what’s the point? You won’t contend, and in all likelihood, that star will eventually leave anyway.
That wouldn’t be the case here. Yes, the Raptors would be taking a serious hit to their depth. Still, they’d be pairing Embiid with his friend Pascal Siakam. The two should have some instant chemistry, and more importantly, they’ve got tremendous combined talent. This might be the best 5/4 pairing in the entire NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Otherwise, the Raptors would have Gary Trent Jr., Dennis Schroeder…and not much else. It may take them another summer to flesh out this roster. Meanwhile, parting with Scottie Barnes stings. With that said, they’re adding the MVP to a team that already has a co-star waiting for him. Should the Sixers put them in that position?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, the Sixers will not prefer to do this. They’re only trading Embiid if they have to. There’s plenty of speculation that he could soon request a trade. James Harden already has one foot out of the door. The situation in Philadelphia is bad, and it may not be salvageable.
If Embiid agrees, his trade request is likely to follow. In that event, this would be a good return for the Sixers. It’s highlighted by Scottie Barnes. He’s flashed the potential to be a dominant, two-way playmaking wing in this league. The Sixers could treat him as their new franchise player from day one.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, they’ll be happy to add Anunoby as well. With Tyrese Maxey on the roster, the Sixers would immediately be putting together an impressive young core. Throw in three unprotected first-round picks, and this is a good deal for them – even if they’re trading a superstar.
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