There are some NBA superstars that almost any team in the league would like. Even If they’re rebuilding, they may opt to stop the rebuild if they’re available. Typically, the league’s reigning MVP is one of those players.
Could Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers become available soon? Time will tell. It’s worth noting that James Harden has requested a trade. This has led to speculation. If the Sixers regress after losing Harden, Embiid could be the next Sixers to ask out.
If he does, the Sixers will find a robust market for his services. Yet, that’s exactly what the NBA trade market is: a market. To land Embiid, a team will need a lot of assets. Meanwhile, few teams have more to spare than the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Could they make a move for Embiid?
NBA Trade Proposal — Oklahoma City Thunder Land Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Josh Giddey, 2024 First-Round PIck (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DEN via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C Joel Embiid
On the other hand, like any other market, the NBA’s trade market fluctuates. It waxes and wains. Last summer, the market got a little bit out of control. We saw some trades that changed the landscape of the National Basketball Association.
Recall the Rudy Gobert deal. The Utah Jazz received four unprotected first-round picks for their defensive star. They also received a handful of quality players. Some suggested that the return was so extensive that it broke the trade market. Is the market resetting?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
It’s possible. Alternatively, it may be that most of the buyers have already bought. if that’s so, the Thunder’s assets must be burning a hole in their pockets.
Should they spend them on Embiid?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
The Thunder do this deal to acquire Joel Embiid. Need we say more? He was named the best player of the 2022-23 NBA regular season. If you haven’t heard, that means that he’s pretty good.
He’s elite. When he’s engaged, Embiid is a two-way force like few players in the NBA. Offensively, he’d be joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to form one of the most talented duos in the league.
On the other end, Embiid and Chet Holmgren ought to form a dynamic partnership. Embiid could be the primary rim protector, while Holmgren feasts as a weak-side shot blocker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Is this a hefty price? You bet. That’s what you pay for the league’s MVP. Losing Giddey while he’s still developing will sting, but it’s worthwhile if the Thunder bring in Embiid.
Meanwhile, they’ll (amazingly) still have a solid collection of draft capital even after moving four firsts. Should that be enough for the Sixers?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers can try to pivot from Harden. They may find that they still have enough depth to contend. If they can find a creative deal involving him, they may be able to bring in another high-impact player. On the other hand, if Embiid requests a trade, they’ll have to rebuild.
In that event, this is a good return for them. Giddey has true superstar potential. He’s a jumbo-sized playmaker with outstanding court vision. He’d be joining Tyrese Maxey to instantly form one of the more intriguing young backcourts in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Meanwhile, the draft capital ought to be as important to the Sixers as Giddey. Some of these picks are protected, but they’re all likely to convey. Finally, getting their pick back in 2026 is especially valuable for the Sixers. If they’re lucky, they’ll use that pick to net their next franchise player.
