One NBA writer is proposing that the Houston Rockets acquire Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers in a massive blockbuster trade. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Rockets and Sixers:
Houston Rockets Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Porter Jr., Jeff Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2029 First-Round Pick (HOU)
“The Houston Rockets have been without a franchise superstar since James Harden’s departure via trade in 2021,” Tran wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “This trade would land them a top-tier center in Joel Embiid, and he is someone the team could truly build around. The team has made a big effort to get better this summer by signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, and it is clear that owner Tillman Fertitta wants to win immediately. Joel Embiid allows them that opportunity.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Houston Rockets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The New York Knicks and Rockets are teams to watch in the Embiid trade sweepstakes if the superstar requests a trade from the Sixers, according to NBA insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic. James Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and will not show up to training camp if he’s still on the team. Embiid is not expected to ask for a trade this offseason, but the reigning NBA MVP could request a trade next summer if the Sixers don’t have a successful 2023-24 season.
Embiid developed a close relationship with new Rockets head coach Ime Udoka when Udoka was an assistant coach on the Sixers. The Kansas prodcut averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds last season for the Sixers while shooting 54.8% from the field, 33.0% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free-throw line. Philadelphia swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs but lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games.
In 394 regular-season games with Philadelphia, Embiid is averaging 27.2 points and 11.2 rebounds. He has made six All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and three All-Defensive teams and won one MVP Award. However, the Sixers have never gotten past the second round of the NBA playoffs in the Embiid era.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Houston Rockets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Philadelphia’s belief is that Embiid would like to spend his entire NBA career with them, similar to Dirk Nowitzki with the Dallas Mavericks and Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers. Embiid, who signed a four-year, $210 million contract extension in 2021, obviously wants Harden to stay with the Sixers, but Harden intends to “never wear” a Philadelphia uniform again, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
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