The NBA’s Most Valuable Player award is its most significant individual designation. Go look at MVP winners throughout the league’s history. You’re looking at a collection of the best players ever to suit up. If you win an MVP, your place in the history books is reserved.
So, when an MVP hits the trade block, it makes a lot of noise. At the moment, there are a lot of eyes on last year’s winner. Joel Embiid hasn’t hit the trade market yet, but it feels increasingly possible. James Harden has requested his trade, and the Sixers don’t look likely to replace him.
We’ll see how the situation unfolds. Embiid has pledged his allegiance to the Sixers. At the same time, we’ve heard that from star players before. If the recent MVP winner requests a trade, here are three teams we think should consider him.
New York Knicks
Surely, you saw this one coming. No team is linked to Joel Embiid as often as the New York Knicks. Why shouldn’t they be? Embiid is a showman, and Madison Square Garden is the biggest stage on earth.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have the assets to get the deal done. They’ve got a surplus of draft capital and contracts that would be easy to move. Mitchell Robinson could entice the Sixers, and the Knicks won’t mind moving him if they bring Embiid on board. This could make sense for all sides.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks Updates
What could get in the New York Knicks’ way? Well, they could get outbid. They may have an impressive collection of draft capital, but they don’t have the best in the NBA. Could the most draft-rich team in the league make a move for Embiid?
Oklahoma City Thunder
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, this could boil down to their view of Chet Holmgren. If they’re set on him as their 5 of the future, they could pass on Embiid. On the other hand, if they like the idea of a jumbo lineup that has Holmgren at the 4, Embiid could be a tempting proposition.
That does sound like a dangerous squad to us. Embiid could be the primary rim protector, allowing Holmgren to operate as a roamer. With him blocking shots from the weak side, this defense could be impenetrable. Meanwhile, the Thunder would be pairing Embiid with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to form one of the most dangerous offenses in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
On the other hand, that pairing could hold them back. The Oklahoma City Thunder need shooting, and that isn’t Embiid’s strong suit. In the end, they may want to save their draft capital for a different superstar. Is there a dark horse candidate for Embiid?
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets don’t have a surplus of draft capital. They own the Brooklyn Nets’ draft through to 2027, but they also owe picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the next couple of years. Do they have the assets to make a deal for Embiid?
Sure. The Rockets would simply have to part with some of their young players. Trading for Embiid would mean saying goodbye to at least two of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and/or Amen Thompson prematurely. If the Rockets are willing to do that, they could get in the mix for Embiid’s services.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets Updates
If they’re not? They won’t acquire him. In all likelihood, the Houston Rockets will want to see how their young group looks with a new head coach and some new veterans this season. If they don’t meet expectations, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them taking a look at the Most Valuable Player in the NBA in 2022-23.
