5 Stars Joel Embiid should quietly be recruiting right now

4. Trae Young

Young popped up in the rumors this summer and should be more in the Sixers’ price range if they have to trade for a star. The two-time All-Star’s defensive issues will drive the price down but create concern for Philly. Tyrese Maxey is a below-average defender, and the franchise would need multiple perimeter stoppers on the wing to cover for having two negatives starting in the backcourt.

Ice Trae is an elite offensive talent, but does he fit next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey? The current Hawks star loves to have the ball in his hands and must move without it in Philadelphia. He is not going to instantly become Stephen Curry, but finding ways to exploit the defense without the ball would be a massive improvement for Young.

Would the 76ers be a title contender with Trae Young replacing James Harden? It is a fair question and would be an all-in move for Philly. That means rounding out their roster by re-signing their current talent or minimum-salary players in free agency. The Sixers would need to find the right pieces to make things work and that would be difficult given their limited options.

Zach LaVine and Kyrie Irving also exist in this tier of players. It would cost the Philadelphia 76ers too much and leave them without a contending roster. The franchise needs to find someone with superstar talent who enhances their current core. Joel Embiid must recruit the right player if he wants to win a championship.