The Philadelphia Sixers’ center Joel Embiid is likely to get traded to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason. The chain of trade requests started when Damian Lillard requested a move to the Heat on the first day of the trade window. Sixers’ veteran guard James Harden followed the trend and asked for a trade to the Clippers, which triggered the reigning MVP Joel Embiid looking for a way as well? Will the Sixers let him go?
The Kansas Jayhawks product played 66 games for the Sixers last season and averaged 33.1 points, 4.2 assists and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 33 percent from beyond the arc. Although the Sixers do not want to let him go, if the player is put on the market, teams will do everything in their power to land him. Can the Pelicans beat everyone to it? Here is all the information you need about the trade between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Philadelphia Sixers involving Joel Embiid.
What would the Pelicans offer for Joel Embiid?
The Pelicans are expected to offer Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas, and a 2025 first-round pick in exchange for the Sixers’ #21. The 29-year-old thinks that Harden’s departure would weaken the Sixers, and he does not want to spend his prime years in a struggling squad.
More notes from @wojespn:
— Terrance Mann has been “off the table” during trade talks so far.
— The #Sixers’ organization believes Joel Embiid is “on board” with the current process of trying to trade Harden. https://t.co/RBYTRQy1Nt
— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) October 12, 2023
Why would the Pelicans like to sign Joel Embiid?
Embiid is one of the most offensive players in the NBA, and he would be a much better replacement for Williamson who is very injury prone. The Pelicans can put him around defensive players to cover up for his poor defending. They might even contend for a title this season if they do this deal.
Most FGM (Buckets) in 2022-23:
1st- Joel Embiid with 728.
But I thought he was just a free throw merchant? (He also missed 16 games too!) pic.twitter.com/4KRL1xCvp7
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) October 10, 2023
Why would the Sixers trade-off Joel Embiid?
The Sixers would only do this trade if they were left with no other options. At the moment, they are trying to convince James Harden to stay, and they are looking for a replacement for him as well. If the Sixers land a star player, they might be able to keep Embiid. They are getting two-star players along with a draft pick here, but they would still prefer keeping Embiid.
The Sixers will avoid the rebuild even after losing the two stars if they make this trade. Will the Sixers give up on them? How will the Pelicans line up next season? We’ll keep you updated.
