3 blockbuster trades the Golden State Warriors could pull off this offseason
Joel Embiid
Coming off a 49-point career-high explosion, Joel Embiid has drawn both criticisms from analysts and boos from fans as the Sixers haven’t lived up to expectations, ranking outside the top-four teams in the East.
While some of that can be put on the roster’s design, Embiid has certainly taken some of the fall for the lack of success.
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However, for the young star center, it’s not overly deserving. The face of “The Process” which has re-energized the Sixers fanbase, Embiid is a dominant center on both sides of the court, but will his match with Ben Simmons ever result in an Eastern Conference title?
Combine Al Horford’s poor play and horrific contract, and the Sixers could bring in young talent for Embiid while re-structuring their roster to play more around Horford yet also playing to Simmons’ strengths and creating more space offensively.
What about a first-round pick and Wiggins to potentially replace Embiid? Trading for a star like Embiid isn’t common so his true value to the franchise is rather cloudy, but for what he’s given to Philly, I’d assume that the Warriors would still have to give more for the 25-year-old.
Embiid is averaging 23.8 points per game, down from almost 28 per game last season. He’s shooting 47.1% from the field, down from 48.4% last season. He’ll still a superstar, but he hasn’t played at the same level this season as he was last.
That said, could the draft’s best pick and Wiggins be enough? It’d certainly be a start.