One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans acquire Joel Embiid and James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in a massive blockbuster trade. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Sixers and Pelicans:
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, 2024 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2030 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Joel Embiid, James Harden
Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and intends to never play for the franchise again. Meanwhile, many people around the NBA believe Embiid will request a trade “sooner rather than later” in the wake of Harden calling Daryl Morey a liar, according to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
“In this trade scenario, the New Orleans Pelicans would be taking a win-now approach rather than relying on internal development,” Tran wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Though Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram could end up finding success on the Philadelphia 76ers, perhaps it makes more sense for the New Orleans Pelicans to acquire two players who have a proven track record in the playoffs.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Joel Embiid, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Embiid 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. He won his first NBA MVP Award and second straight scoring title.
Meanwhile, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists while shooting 44.1% from the floor, 38.5% from 3 and 86.7% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Joel Embiid, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Pelicans would have a lethal Big 3 of Harden, Embiid and CJ McCollum if this trade pitch Tran came up with went through. Embiid, who signed a four-year, $210 million contract extension in 2021, 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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