The Philadelphia 76ers are running out of time to decide what to do with Joel Embiid. At 30 years old and the injury rap sheet he has, there’s no telling if he can keep up his MVP-caliber play for much longer.
Because of Embiid’s extension, the Sixers can’t trade him until the 2025 NBA offseason. This is good for the Sixers because by then, they’ll get a better sense of the team’s best long-term direction.
If they decide he is not worth keeping, FanSided proposed a trade that would send Embiid to the Los Angeles Lakers, a team desperate to become a contender.
FanSided didn’t give exact details but ironed out what a potential could look like.
Lakers receive: Embiid
Sixers receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 Unprotected First-Round pick, 2031 Unprotected First-Round Pick, pick swaps in 2028, 2030, 2032
In other words, they’d give up all of their draft capital for Embiid. It’s hard to see the Sixers agree to a trade like this for Embiid unless it’s the best offer they can get. However, the Lakers may also have an issue with it.
The Lakers are at an impasse themselves
The Lakers have LeBron James, and his career is nearing its end. They know it, too. That’s why making trades involving future draft capital comes with risk for them.
James may decide he’s done after this season, knowing his age. That’s pure speculation, but it should not be overlooked.
Embiid showed against the Chicago Bulls on December 8 that his prime might not be done after all. That might not necessarily mean the Sixers won’t consider trading him, but it might be best to hold out for something better if that’s a sign of what’s to come.
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