Coming off yet another disappointing postseason exit, many expected the Philadelphia 76ers to shake up their core this offseason.
But GM Elton Brand and president Daryl Morey have kept the core together up until this point, despite a trade request from All-Star guard James Harden several weeks ago. But what if Philly ultimately decides to trade both Harden and reigning league MVP Joel Embiid?
At NBA Analysis Network, James Piercey proposed a massive trade idea that has Philadelphia sending Embiid to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for fellow All-Star and guard Trae Young, forward Onyeka Onkongwu and a 2029 first-round pick:
“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.”
Young has been the subject of recent trade rumors, but the Hawks haven’t given any indication that they’re looking to trade him. If they were to go down that road, Atlanta would certainly have to get another All-Star like Embiid in return.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Like the Hawks with Young, the 76ers haven’t hinted that they’re open to trading Embiid. He has been a total franchise-changer since 2016-17, leading the 76ers to six consecutive playoff appearances following the well-documented “Trust the Process” rebuild.
At this time, there’s little reason to believe Young and/or Embiid will be traded before the start of the season. What bears watching, of course, is the Harden situation in Philly. Will he get traded before the season begins in October, or will the 76ers keep him and Embiid together…at least for the start of the year?
Only time will tell.
