The NBA is full of surprises, and the Denver Nuggets’ oddly-timed decision to fire Michael Malone is another example of the chaos that makes the league unpredictable.
Depending on how the franchise performs in the postseason, the Nuggets could face a challenging question regarding their superstar big man, Nikola Jokic.
Should they continue to build around the three-time MVP? Or move forward without him in a trajectory-altering trade?
If Denver chooses the latter, they could swap Jokic for a Philadelphia 76ers standout center closer to retirement than many are willing to admit.
Joel Embiid hasn’t had the best luck with injuries lately. After missing 43 regular-season games last year due to lower-body setbacks, Embiid was met with more adversity to start the 2024-25 campaign.
A knee ailment caused the seven-time All-Star to miss the first month of the season, but he returned to the 76ers’ lineup on Nov. 12. Although Embiid appeared healthy, a left knee injury forced him to serve as a spectator from Jan. 5 to Feb. 3.
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In late February, the 76ers, enduring a disastrous season, decided to shut down the 2024 MVP for the rest of the year, compelling him to undergo season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
In Year 9, Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 44.4% from the field and 29.9% from three in 19 contests. If Embiid continues to suffer season-altering injuries, there’s a good chance he’ll leave the NBA sooner than expected.
However, considering the Kansas product is a dynamic, non-traditional stretch big man who can impact games on both ends when healthy and could seek a trade this offseason, the Nuggets wouldn’t receive a lousy contributor in a potential trade with the 76ers.
Embiid averaged 30+ points and 10+ assists for three consecutive seasons before taking a step back this year, proving the two-way phenom is dominant in an injury-free setting.
Denver may elect to stick with Jokic for the long haul, but a blockbuster deal involving Jokic, Embiid, and additional assets isn’t a non-possibility in the modern NBA.
More NBA: Nuggets predicted to swap Nikola Jokic for $185 million Western Conference All-Star
