Fortune favours the bold. An age-old saying that rings true under almost any circumstance. The Philadelphia 76ers continue to flirt with the idea of a dominant roster, then opt to appease their owner instead by dodging the luxury tax threshold. Joel Embiid has stated he wants a change in mentality; the 76ers' front office should heed his advice and go all-in on ending their 43-year championship drought by executing an unfathomable trade for Kawhi Leonard that would stun the entire league.
The Los Angeles Clippers have already shown a willingness to perform surgery on their roster due to their regular-season struggles. As it stands, the former Sixers guard James Harden is set to leave the West Coast and continue his journeyman career with the Cleveland Cavaliers (assuming there are no hiccups to prevent this trade from being confirmed).
Of course, this does not automatically mean that their second superstar, Kawhi Leonard, is on the trading block. However, for the right price, the franchise could be tempted to cash in on the now seven-time All-Star if the deal provides them with the tools to change the landscape of their future. Philadelphia has the flexibility to do so, owning the Clippers' 2028 first-round pick (unprotected) and 2029 second-round pick, along with the right to swap their 2029 first-round pick (top-3 protected).
Additionally, the currently suspended Paul George is still eligible to be traded. Why would the Clippers take back a forward whom they refused to offer a bumper salary to around 18 months ago? Good question. Matching salaries can be tricky to navigate in the NBA, which is why returning LA's picks and adding an attractive asset such as Jared McCain or Quentin Grimes would be a tempting proposition for the franchise.
Leonard's superstar factor would blow away the East
If the Sixers' general manager, Daryl Morey, wishes to show Embiid he is serious about winning a championship in Philadelphia, acquiring a player with the star power of Kawhi Leonard would be the correct way to go about it.
The 34-year-old oozes class and wields a devastating skill set that would intimidate even the most resilient of defenders. Leonard's injury record over recent seasons has been more than questionable, but when he is on the floor, showcasing his abilities, there are few better offensive masterminds in the league.
Leonard has featured in 36 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. Philadelphia has been crying out for a two-way, scoring wing who will not be a passenger on the biggest stage. Given the fact that Leonard has an NBA championship on his resume, this is a department the 76ers would not have to fear.
There has never been a greater opportunity for the Philadelphia 76ers to take the initiative and assume control of the Eastern Conference. Few teams are proving that they have the credentials to claim the title of the East's greatest team. In the meantime, the Sixers' roster is going from strength to strength, as Embiid and Tyrese Maxey prove they have the attributes to win a championship.
Dodging the luxury tax and landing Kawhi Leonard would redefine the 76ers' ceiling -- is Daryl Morey willing to take a risk of this magnitude?