When an NBA team tanks, the goal is to land the best prospect that they can. Ideally, they find a franchise player. Otherwise, they risk putting their fanbase through some meaningless pain.
The Philadelphia 76ers underwent one of the most famous tank jobs in NBA history. Ultimately, that allowed them to draft Joel Embiid. Mission accomplished. Embiid has been a viable franchise player. Unfortunately for the Sixers, there have been whispers that his time in Philadelphia may be coming to an end shortly.
The San Antonio Spurs will look to avoid the same fate with Victor Wembanyama. If he hits his ceiling, they’ll want him to be a Spur for life. With that in mind, the Spurs need to do whatever they can to keep their young prodigy happy. Could acquiring Embiid from the Sixers be the first step?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, F Reggie Bullock, G Devonte’ Graham, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2026 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Joel Embiid
So much of tanking comes down to sheer luck. Some teams need to crack a few eggs before they can make an omelette. Other teams have somehow engineered a premed omelette inside of the shell. Note to self: idea for invention.
The Sixers didn’t simply draft Joel Embiid. They also drafted Ben Simmons, Jahill Okafor and Markelle Fultz in the lottery. Simmons had some success with the team, but all told, you couldn’t say he was a slam dunk with the first overall pick. Those other two selections contributed nothing to the Sixers’ eventual run as contenders.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, San Antonio Spurs & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
On the other hand, if we’re willing to assume that Wembanyama hits his ceiling, the Spurs didn’t have to tank for long. In fact, last season was the only season in which this roster was intentionally designed to lose games. Call it dumb luck. Should the Spurs press their luck by trading for Embiid?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
It’s been suggested that acquiring a big man to pair with Wembanyama is a priority for the Spurs. That makes sense. Wembanyama is slight of frame, and may not want to endure the rigours that come with playing the 5 at the NBA level. Still, isn’t trading for the league’s MVP a bit overboard?
Perhaps. On the other hand, the Spurs could easily decide that they’re done tanking. Why shouldn’t they be? They’ve already landed their franchise player. If the right opportunity becomes available, they could pivot into win-now mode. Acquiring one of a handful of the best players in the NBA feels like the right opportunity.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, San Antonio Spurs & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Spurs would be gambling that Embiid and Wembanyama’s primes intersect. They’d need Wembanyama to round into superstar form in the next three years or so before Embiid starts to age out of his peak impact. If that happens, this deal could have the Spurs winning an NBA title. Should the Sixers give them that opportunity?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers don’t do this deal unless Embiid requests a trade. Rebuilding again after failing to make a Conference Finals appearance following The Process would qualify as a failure for this organization. It’s an outcome they’ll look to avoid.
They may not be able to avoid it. The sky is falling in Philadelphia. James Harden has requested a trade. His market value is majorly depreciated. The Sixers are likely to regress next season, and regression is likely to upset Embiid. This is beginning to feel like an inevitability.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, San Antonio Spurs & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
If it is, this is a good return. Johnson is a young player with star upside. Still, the main draw here is four unprotected first-rounders. With Johnson and Tyrese Maxey in tow, the Sixers would have a leg up on their next rebuilding process following this move. Hopefully, they won’t have to tank for too long.
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