Oftentimes, the NBA is cyclical. Teams contend until it becomes clear that they’re not in contention anymore. Then, they rebuild. Often, that means trading your best player for as many first-round picks as you can get.
With that said, some cycles move more quickly than others. Take the Brooklyn Nets. This team had Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on their team. It was one of the most talented groups ever assembled. It also didn’t last very long. Flash forward two seasons, and all of those players are on other teams.
By contrast, the Joel Embiid era has lasted an eternity for the Philadelphia 76ers. With that said, it may not last much longer. Allegedly, Embiid could be requesting a trade sometime soon. Could the Sixers send him to the Nets?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, C Nicolas Claxton, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Joel Embiid
There’s an elephant in this room. It’s got a famous beard, and offensive records that only Wilt Chamberlain can match. Obviously, we’re talking about James Harden.
Harden was the first Net to request a trade. That’s how he ended up on the Sixers. His request would trigger a domino effect. Shortly after, the Nets would trade both Durant and Irving. Now, Harden wants to move on from the 76ers, too.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
This is the modern NBA. Players are empowered to request trades like never before. When you’ve got a team full of superstars, you hate to see any of them request a trade. In all likelihood, that’s going to mean weakening your team. Often, the result is your next star requesting his own trade. If Embiid does demand a trade, should the Sixers send him to the Nets?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
We know. Get your jokes out of the way. We’ve got Simmons heading back to the 76ers. It’s a moot point for Philly – they’re only bringing him back to make the money work. In all likelihood, they’ll either look to move him elsewhere, or simply let his contract expire.
On the other hand, Claxton is a key piece here. This is one of the most versatile defensive big men in the NBA. He’s also young enough to be part of a rebuild. In pairing Claxton with Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers will have the makings of a young core. That’s a quality young duo.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Still, the Sixers wouldn’t swap Embiid for Claxton. This is the reigning MVP. If he hits the open market, he’ll command quite the return. That’s why the Sixers are receiving four unprotected first-round picks. Getting control of their own 2027 is especially useful if the Sixers are rebuilding. Should the Nets give them that control?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
When the Nets acquired James Harden, they sent the Houston Rockets control of their draft through to 2027. That decision impacts every decision they could make moving forward. The Nets have no incentive to tank. Every game they lose for the next five years is strictly beneficial for the Rockets.
Meanwhile, they’ve amassed quite a collection of draft capital. Given their situation, it would only make sense to eventually move it for a star. Still, it’s got to be the right star. Is that Joel Embiid?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
We think so. Embiid isn’t as versatile as Claxton on the defensive end, but he’s an outstanding stationary rim protector. Meanwhile, the Nets would have him surrounded by elite 3-and-D wings, and Mikal Bridges should be a fine second option. This deal could get the Nets back to title contention – until they cycle out of it, that is.
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