NBA trade rumors and the Miami Heat. Name a better duo. OK: what about NBA trade rumors and the Philadelphia 76ers? NBA trade rumors travel well. Your team may be avoiding them for now, but in time, they’ll find their way back into them.
As of now, the talk around the Heat has died down. For most of this summer, they were expected to acquire Damian Lillard. They did not. Briefly, they were linked to Jrue Holiday as well. Now, he’s a Boston Celtic. For the time being, we can stop talking about the Heat.
On the other hand, we’re still talking about the Sixers. After all, James Harden’s trade request is still pending. Until that situation is resolved, there will be plenty of rumors about the Sixers. It’s even been rumored that if the Sixers regress after moving Harden, Joel Embiid could request a trade. Could the Sixers send him to the Heat?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: C Bam Adebayo, G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: C Joel Embiid, F Danuel House Jr.
With that said, you should only pay so much attention to rumors. Sure, some have got some truth in them – but others don’t. In the NBA, it’s often the case that the team you least expect is the team that makes the big move. We saw that principle in play this summer.
The Milwaukee Bucks were not supposed to land Damian Lillard. They didn’t have the assets- unless they were willing to trade Jrue Holiday. Fine, but the Blazers won’t have an interest in Holiday. Perhaps they could find a third team. Before you know it, the Blazers have acquired Holiday with the intention of moving him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
That’s life in the NBA. Expect the unexpected. Still, we will continue to speculate – that’s all we can do. If you’re putting the pieces together, it’s not difficult to see the Sixers eventually moving Embiid. Should they flip him for Adebayo?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Some Sixers fans won’t love this return. They’ll suggest that the Sixers should seek more draft capital in return for Embiid. That’s fair. At the same time, they could net all the picks in the world: probability dictates that in all likelihood, none of those players will ever be as good as Adebayo.
Meanwhile, the Sixers have already sent most of their draft capital out. This team won’t be able to tank their way back to contention if they’re moving Embiid. So, they may do better to maintain a competitive program and simply get younger. This deal helps them in that regard. Adebayo and Tyrese Maxey could be the foundation of a team that’s competitive now, with room to improve.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Yet, the Sixers still get some draft capital here. Their front office may see it differently. They may want a mountain of first-round picks for Embiid. On the other hand, if they’re interested in staying in the playoff hunt and also getting younger, this is a perfect deal for them. Is it the right deal for the Heat?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Some Heat fans won’t love this either. We understand. Adebayo was essential to this team’s 2022-23 Finals run. Now they’re moving him? Yes. The Heat aren’t just trading Adebayo here. They’re landing the league’s reigning MVP.
Meanwhile, ask yourself an honest question: are the Heat likely to get back to the Finals next year? Jimmy Butler is getting older. Miami has lost some key role players throughout the summer. This team only snuck into the Finals via the play-in tournament in the first place. If we’re being objective, it’s difficult to love their odds of getting back there.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Miami Heat Updates
Unless they trade for Embiid, that is. With some health for Tyler Herro, this deal would have Miami having one of the most talented rosters in the NBA again. Embiid’s offensive acumen could easily get them back in the NBA Finals. In all likelihood, he’ll get them out of trade rumors at the same time.
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