Philadelphia 76ers fans were treated to some fireworks last night, not by virtue of the team (which was idel, by the way), but by some landscape-altering development that sent shock waves not only around the league, but globally.
As you already know by now, the Mavericks made the stunning decision to trade away franchise superstar to the Lakers for a package centered on Anthony Davis in what is inarguably the most shcoking trade of the century. Everyone, from league executives to pundits to fans, did not expect anything of this magnitude, one that would surely change the trajectory of the NBA moving forward.
For the most part, the 76ers are hardly affected by the move, thanks to the blockbuster deal involving two Western Conference ball clubs. Having said that, the Mavericks certainly showed, for better or for worse, something that should be on the cards for Philly as they course through the season and the upcoming years.
The 76ers should follow the Mavericks and try to trade Joel Embiid
Fans in Dallas are in shambles right now following their front office’s abrupt decision to trade their franchise superstar, which reportedly stemmed from their brewing frustration over his conditioning. Sounds familiar? Well, the 76ers must probably feel the same way with Joel Embiid.
Embiid’s injury history is way more exhaustive than Luka’s, yet the 76ers brass is seemingly much more patient. Despite reports that team decision-makers are starting to grow weary of his long absences, the ownership group had recently signaled that they remain committed to Embiid being the face of the franchise.
At this point, though, what would the 76ers lose if they try to do what the Mavs did, minus the part where they circled on a specific target and rushed the process? Embiid is already habitually away due to injury anyway, and there should still be plenty of interest, at least from desperate, playoff-chasing team, for the 2023 Most Valuable Player, who remains a top-five talent when healthy.
Trading Embiid should also be more than enough for the 76ers to fetch another star in return who can also pose a seamless fit next to Tyrese Maxey, who has been playing out of his mind as of late amid a slow start to the season. If not, he would be a prime conduit for Philly to collect draft picks and pivot to a soft reboot.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid are clearly connected by loyalty, but given the lack of collective accomplishments to show for it, are we sure it isn’t just a blind one? Change could be looming soon, and if so, the franchise can finally move on from a hell of an era.