As the NBA season gets underway, we’ve got our eyes on the trade rumors. Sometimes, that means thinking ahead. We’re not strictly thinking about trades that could happen soon.
At NBA Analysis, we’re already considering trades that could happen next summer and beyond. For example, we’re looking at the Philadelphia 76ers. This team is a candidate to make several significant trades.
For starters, James Harden has made a trade request. At the moment, he’s arguably the most discussed trade target in the NBA. If the Sixers finally move Harden, what could it mean for the rest of their roster?
Well, it could mean trading Joel Embiid. It’s been widely suggested that if the Sixers regress after moving Harden, Embiid could request his trade.
Could the Sixers send him to the Sacramento Kings?
NBA Trade Proposal — Sacramento Kings Land Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Domantas Sabonis, F Keegan Murray, F/C Trey Lyles, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2030 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: C Joel Embiid
Everyone won’t appreciate our speculation. We understand that. In all likelihood, Sixers fans will be irked by this proposal. The team hasn’t even traded Harden yet. Can’t we give them a moment before we ship Embiid out of town?
No. This is the nature of NBA media. We’re thinking ahead. Who knows? Perhaps the Sixers will weather this storm. They could rope a third team into a deal, land a star to replace Harden, and improve with better chemistry. That is entirely possible.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings Updates
It doesn’t feel likely. Harden is on an expiring deal and a tremendous flight risk. He doesn’t have the trade value that his skill would otherwise suggest. The Sixers may need to work a miracle to keep a contending team together here.
If they can’t, could they send Embiid to the Kings?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
This deal could anger Sixers fans in several ways. Even if they’re open to moving Embiid, they may prefer more draft capital. Why are they taking on Sabonis? Shouldn’t they be rebuilding?
Sure. Remember the Damian Lillard trade from this summer? The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, they traded Holiday.
The Sixers could operate similarly here. They could trade Embiid for Sabonis and some draft capital, and then, they could shop Sabonis for more picks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings Updates
Alternatively, they could pair Sabonis with Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. We’ve already seen how Sabonis can operate as a playmaker in the high post with a downhill guard like Maxey alongside him.
Either way, this deal gives the Sixers options. Should the Kings give them those options?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Recently, it’s been suggested that the Kings may need to move on from Sabonis. He’s a dynamic playmaker, but his defensive limitations may impose a glass ceiling on the Kings.
On the other hand, trading him for the league’s reigning MVP may be an overreaction. At the same time – Embiid is the league’s reigning MVP. Why shouldn’t the Kings be interested? They’d still have a dominant offensive presence on the interior, but now, he’d be a two-way player.
Embiid can preserve his energy on defense through the regular season, but he’s among the best rim protectors in the NBA when he’s engaged.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings Updates
Does parting with Murray sting? Badly. Yet, it’s worth it. The Kings could get into the title picture by pairing Embiid with De’Aaron Fox and a solid supporting cast. Don’t be surprised if you start to see their name in trade rumors more often before long.
