Remember when Kevin Durant joined Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors a few years ago? Well, we could have a similar scenario this summer if the Dubs end up agreeing to a blockbuster trade deal for Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers. After all, we have seen crazier things happen in the past.
Warriors Emerge as Title Favorites With Joel Embiid in the Picture
Bleacher Report’s NBA staff imagined a handful of fantasy trade scenarios for Joel Embiid amid the recent uncertainty regarding his future in Philly. One of them involves the reigning MVP heading to the Bay Area in a wild trade proposal:
Golden State Warriors receive: Joel Embiid, P.J. Tucker
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, 2027 first-round pick swap, 2028 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick swap
While there could be question marks surrounding Joel Embiid’s fit alongside Curry and the rest of the Warriors, this is exactly the type of deal Golden State will want to capitalize on if it presents itself. Steph’s championship window is closing and the Dubs will want to maximize his remaining years by adding as many win-now pieces as they can to the squad. Chris Paul may have been a significant step toward this direction, but there’s no denying that the Warriors would catapult to the front of the pack in terms of being title favorites if they are able to bring in Joel Embiid.
Sixers Embrace Full Rebuild Around Tyrese Maxey
The truth of the matter is that if they had a choice, the Sixers would not want to part ways with Joel Embiid. However, if they had to, then it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to build around Tyrese Maxey.
In this deal, the Sixers get one guaranteed future first-round pick, but the two pick swaps — 2029 in particular — could prove valuable in the event that Steph Curry (and the rest of Golden State’s aging core) decides to retire in five years or so. By then, the assumption is that Maxey would be in his prime, and the Sixers could either add some young talent around him or flip those picks for win-now assets.
Speaking of flipping, Philly will likely want to do this with Andrew Wiggins. I can see the All-Star landing with a contender who will be willing to give up some future assets to the Sixers in exchange for Wiggins. Chris Paul, on the other hand, is on a one-year deal, and if the Sixers aren’t able to trade him this season, then his departure in free agency next summer will open up a ton of cap room for Philadelphia for 2024-25.
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