As a general rule, NBA fans don’t like superteams – unless it’s their favorite team, of course. It feels unfair when another team puts together a collection of superstars. When it’s your team, it feels like a fact of life in the NBA.
More broadly, a fan’s reaction to a superteam is likely to rest on how the team was assembled. When a team drafts its stars, it feels like “the right way to build a team”. When they trade for their superstars, or sign them, it feels dirty. It isn’t. Objectively speaking, this is a route that teams are allowed to take.
So far, this version of the Boston Celtics hasn’t taken it. This is a homegrown powerhouse. With that said, the Celtics have a solid base of assets. If they wanted to trade for one more superstar, they’d be able to do it. Could that superstar be Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Kristaps Porzingis, F/C Robert Williams III, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – GSW via BOS), 2024 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2026 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – BOS), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – BOS), 2030 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: C Joel Embiid
On the other hand, superteams don’t always get it done. By now, it’s worth questioning whether this is the best model. Look at this year’s champions. The Denver Nuggets were homegrown, and they essentially cruised to an NBA championship.
Why? Chemistry counts. You can throw together a collection of superstars. They still need to learn how to play together. Sometimes, egos get in the way. One could make the case that the best route a team can take is to attempt to draft their contender, let them develop over time, and contend when the team looks ready.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
Sure. At the same time, the Nuggets drafted Nikola Jokic in the second round. Every team won’t be so lucky. Meanwhile, as much as chemistry counts, talent counts for more. All told, teams will always explore both avenues toward winning an NBA title. Should the Celtics go the superteam route?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
Obviously. Put your convictions to the side for the moment. You may think superteams are unfair. You may not think they’re built to win. Ask yourselves this question: should the Celtics acquire Joel Embiid without giving up Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown?
They’d be foolish if they didn’t. How do you stop this team? Embiid requires a double team on the low block. How do you double Embiid with Tatum and Brown on the wings? The Celtics’ current star duo are perfect compliments to Embed. Meanwhile, the recent MVP winner has never played with two floor spacers like Tatum and Brown.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
This deal leaves the Celtics with virtually nod draft capital moving forward. We know, and we don’t care. They’re acquiring Joel Embiid. If Boston doesn’t win a title after doing so, nobody could say that they didn’t try. Should the Sixers abandon their championship pursuit and rebuild?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, the Sixers won’t do this deal unless Embiid requests a trade. Look for Philadelphia to hang onto their superstar at all costs. With that said, there’s plenty of speculation that Embiid could look for a way out of Philadelphia soon.
After all, the Sixers’ superteam is falling apart at the seams. James Harden has already requested a trade. The Sixers don’t have the means to replace him. At this point, a rebuild in the city of Brotherly Love feels inevitable.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
This deal helps them get started. The Sixers are likely only acquiring Porzingis to eventually trade him – they’ll find value. In the meantime, Williams III has health concerns, but he’s one of the best young defensive bigs in the NBA when healthy. Throw in a surplus of draft capital, and the Sixers could do this deal if Embiid wants out. In time, it could help them build another superteam.
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