The Philadelphia 76ers are most probably stuck with Joel Embiid for the duration of the mammoth contract extension he signed, which will keep him with the franchise until the 2028-29 season. Now that is definitely a scary proposition for fans, especially since the former Most Valuable Player had already shown signs of permanent decline.
Embiid’s deal is so unfathomable that it is difficult to reasonably expect any other team to try and make a bid to secure his services via trade. Really, the only path for the 76ers if they do attempt to ship him elsewhere is to hope that some other team is desperate enough to be willing to accept the humongous risks associated with the superstar big man. Fortunately, there might actually be a team like that. Case in point? Look no further than the Dallas Mavericks.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Mavs have become open to exploring the possibility of trading Anthony Davis. With Dallas struggling right out of the gates, they have no other choice but to start rebuilding around Cooper Flagg in light of the colossal mistake they made with former franchise superstar Luka Doncic.
The 76ers could try to trade Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis
Looking at it viscerally, it is a bit laughable that Dallas would even be willing to replace Davis with Embiid, who is an even more injury-prone star. However, nabbing the latter would not be the main rationale of that swap.
With the Mavericks in dire need of draft capital given that they have no control over their first-round picks from 2027 to 2030, the 76ers could entice them by sweetening their offer centered on Embiid with some draft picks. Of course, that would be a huge risk for Philly as well, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Embiid’s contract is so paralyzing on the front office that the idea of parting with some draft picks (while also getting Davis in return) is more plausible than people might think. Sooner than later, the 76ers will start reeling from their sheer lack of financial flexibility, and getting rid of Embiid’s deal will be a massive step to ensuring that they can commit to their current nucleus.
Like Embiid, Davis has also taken a step back. However, with a more optimal roster around him in Philly, there is a good chance that he returns to playing like the All-NBA caliber player that he is.
Drastic changes require sacrifices, and if the 76ers are really weary about their situation with Joel Embiid, this kind of trade framework deserves more than just scant consideration.