76ers predicted to trade Joel Embiid for ex-Lakers $175M NBA champion, future Hall of Famer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia 76ers have assembled quite the squad for at least the next two seasons, and they are looking pretty scary. The starting five the team has put together will be tough for other teams around the league to handle.
However, there is one concerning factor surrounding Philadelphia: Joel Embiid. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins didn’t believe Embiid looked that great in one of the preseason games.
“I didn't like the way that Joel Embiid looked last night. I didn't like the way that he was getting up and down the floor...to me, he wasn't moving well, which pointed to me that says LeBron James is gonna play a lot of center position this year. LeBron James is gonna have to and guess what? The Philadelphia 76ers actually could win the Eastern Conference this year, and make it to the NBA Finals with LeBron James playing majority of the center position,” Perkins said.
If Embiid struggles, CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes the 76ers could trade him for Anthony Davis.
“I mean ... we spent a month in free agency hearing about how much LeBron James would like to reunite with Anthony Davis. These aren't hard dots to connect here, though a trade really only makes sense if Davis stays healthy and Embiid struggles,” Quinn wrote.
There is also speculation that Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, is exploring potential trade options, as an extension with the Washington Wizards does not appear likely.
“But Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, is one of the game’s most powerful player representatives, and he has proven skilled at securing the deals his high-profile clients want, in the cities where they want to be. There’s little doubt that Paul already has gamed out other teams’ interest in Davis and will continue to do so as February’s trade deadline approaches,” The Athletic’s Josh Robbins wrote.
Honestly, a swap involving Davis and Embiid could work out in Philadelphia’s favor. It would reunite James with a player he knows well while adding a strong defensive presence in Davis.
Davis is currently on a $175 million contract. Acquiring him could make the 76ers' lineup even more formidable, especially if Embiid continues to struggle with his mobility. A move like this is one James could potentially push for.
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