3 Joel Embiid Trades You’ll Hate – Until They Win the 76ers an NBA Title
The 76ers will never succeed with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons on the same roster. They need to trade one of them - and that guy should be Embiid. | Source: AP Photo / Matt Slocum
- Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are not a great fit.
- Simmons and the Sixers have looked pretty good without Embiid.
- Sixers fans will hate these Joel Embiid trades – at least until Philly wins an NBA title.
The 76ers are in the third year of the Joel Embiid-Ben Simmons experiment, and it’s time for them to wake up.
They trusted the process. It’s gotten them far, but not to the promised land.
The Sixers have stockpiled talent, but it doesn’t fit together.
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons Fit Like Two Giant Peas in an Undersized Pod
The roster around these two stars has been in constant flux.
The 76ers keep searching for the right pieces to put around them, but the problem’s not the surrounding pieces – it’s them.
They both need space to operate, and they both work inside of the paint, which cuts away each player’s space.
Since Joel Embiid went down with a hand injury almost two weeks ago, the Sixers have gone 5-2. Ben Simmons looks like a new player, averaging 21 points, nine boards, and eight assists in that time.
The 76ers could continue to tweak their roster, but they should start thinking about a massive change. Parting with Embiid would hurt, but they should sell high now and surround Simmons with a team that makes more sense.
Boston Celtics
- Boston Receives: Joel Embiid and Josh Richardson
- Philadephia Receives: Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward
Would either team agree to this trade? Who knows. But they should. Tatum is a star in the making, but Embiid has MVP potential.
The Celtics have referred to Tatum and Hayward as “untouchable,” but this is a case where Danny Ainge should let the 76ers get their hands all over his prized possessions.
The Celtics are loaded at the wing and barren at center. With this trade, they would still have the rapidly improving Jaylen Brown and the tenacious Marcus Smart on the wing. Josh Richardson could slot in perfectly at shooting guard, and Embiid would anchor the middle. Throw in All-Star point guard Kemba Walker, and this team has “championship contender” written all over it.
Philly, meanwhile, would surround Simmons with shooting, defense, and secondary-playmaking. They would still be bigger than most teams, with Al Horford manning the middle and the next-shortest starter being six feet, eight inches tall. This switchable lineup full of capable shooters would have Philly competing for years to come.
Sacramento Kings
- Sacramento Receives: Joel Embiid, Zhaire Smith, and Mike Scott
- Philadelphia Receives: Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Nemanja Bjelica
Sacramento is stuck in the mud. They maxed out as a fringe playoff team last year and look slightly worse this year. Paired with De’Aaron Fox, Joel Embiid instantly raises their ceiling and gives them a shot in the West.
No player coming back to Philly is close to Embiid’s talent in this deal, but it’s about fit. Simmons would get one of the league’s best sharpshooters in Buddy Hield. Bogdanovic and Bjelica give them the bench strength they so glaringly lack. And former no. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III could blossom or be traded for more pieces that fit.
Good luck against a starting lineup of Al Horford, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson, and Buddy Hield. Throw in a revamped bench that’s better than some starting lineups, and you have a true contender.
Chicago Bulls + Charlotte Hornets
- Chicago Receives: Joel Embiid
- Charlotte Receives: Wendell Carter Jr. and Zhaire Smith
- Philadelphia Receives: Zach LaVine, Laurie Markkanen, Miles Bridges and Devonte’ Graham
Chicago finally gets a superstar.
Charlotte gets their big of the future.
And Philly gets more shooting, depth, and playmaking. The Sixers would take a slight hit on defense, but their offense would hum and space would be plentiful.
Then again, maybe the 76ers just need a new coach who can help Embiid adjust.
