A blockbuster trade proposal has the Philadelphia 76ers dealing their franchise star to an Eastern Conference rival.
Reigning league MVP Joel Embiid has been the subject of recent trade speculation, though the 76ers haven’t given any hints that they’re shopping the future Hall of Famer. Embiid himself fueled some of the trade rumors when he stated at the Uninterrupted Film Festival that he wants to win a title, be it with the 76ers or another club.
If the 76ers end up shopping Embiid, there certainly won’t be a shortage of teams interested in his services. And if he does hit the trade block, could a consistent playoff contender like the Atlanta Hawks make a move?
At NBA Analysis Network, James Piercey proposed a blockbuster trade that has the 76ers sending Embiid to the Hawks in exchange for All-Star guard Trae Young, the versatile Onyeka Okongwu and a 2029 first-round pick:
“What does it do for the Sixers?
Well, it doesn’t make them better. At least, not yet. With that said, Trae Young is significantly younger than Embiid. This is a mini-rebuilding move for the Sixers. Does it do enough for their future?
Some will suggest otherwise. They’ll say that if the Sixers are trading Embiid to rebuild, they need more draft capital. Respectfully, we disagree. After all, the Sixers owe the bulk of their draft capital elsewhere.
They’re not getting it back. With that in mind, a core of Young, Tyrese Maxey, and Onkongwu should keep them relevant while also improving their future outlook. If this momentous deal is on the table, and Embiid wants out, the Sixers ought to make it.”
The Hawks would be getting the best player in this trade. But as Piercey pointed out, Young (25 in September) is still younger than Embiid, who will be 30 years of age next year. Plus, point guards in this day and age tend to have longer-lasting primes than big men like Embiid.
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So if the 76ers were to shop Embiid, the proposed idea by Piercey makes sense for both sides. The Hawks would have one of the game’s top-five players to lead a core that also consists of Dejounte Murray, and De’Andre Hunter.
