Jason Burgos
A new report suggests that while the Philadelphia 76ers would like to trade Joel Embiid this summer, it isn’t likely. However, there is one team rival executives believe might be open to a deal for the one-time MVP, and it could land Philly an All-Star player in return.
Over a week ago, there was a lot of hope in Philadelphia about the Sixers’ postseason chances. They had just eliminated the Boston Celtics after shockingly coming back from a 3-1 deficit in their opening round series. Many analysts around the game even suggested they were the favorites in the East to reach the NBA Finals. Then they ran into a New York Knicks buzzsaw.
Change was obviously coming after being swept out of the playoffs, and it arrived on Tuesday when they officially ousted the president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey. Head coach Nick Nurse will stay on for at least one more season, but another major piece Philly should look into moving is team great Embiid.
Even when placed in bubble wrap, this season he still only managed to play in 38 games. Making matters worse is that he has three years and $186 million left on his contract. When he did play, Embiid posted 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Nevertheless, his contract and extensive injury history make him difficult to move.
Could the 76ers make a Joel Embiid for Domantas Sabonis trade?
The 76ers would likely need to include future draft assets to make a team take on the seven-time All-Star’s massive contract. In a Wednesday morning report, NBA insider Jake Fischer pondered that idea but suggested that with the incoming changes to the NBA Draft lottery rules, the chances of a team in the bottom 16 getting a top pick will improve. So, clubs will be less likely to trade first-rounders going forward.
“I’ve been advised to expect no definitive effort this offseason to try to offload Embiid,” Fischer added.
However, he did offer up hope for 76ers fans who want to see Embiid and his frustrating personality out of Philly.
“One longshot scenario that does get mentioned by rival team strategists is an Embiid-for-Domantas Sabonis swap with Sacramento … but even longshot might be underselling it,” he wrote.
Sabonois was on the block ahead of the February trade deadline. However, they got no takers for the three-time All-Star looking to return from a torn meniscus. He has two years and $91 million left on his current contract.
