3 reasons why the Golden State Warriors should trade for Joel Embiid

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after an injury during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 26, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after an injury during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 26, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Warriors’ trade target Joel Embiid (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Warriors’ trade target Joel Embiid (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

They need depth at center

The Golden State Warriors have one center on their roster. Yes, you read that correctly.

That center didn’t even spend all of last season on the team’s 15-man roster. Marquese Chriss, a 23-year-old that was a lottery pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, was on the roster then transitioned to a two-way contract then was added back to the roster.

He’ll be considered their starting center at the beginning of next season, tag-teaming with Draymond Green and Wiggins to load up the frontcourt. He’s their only center on a roster that also has former first-round pick Kevon Looney, who will likely serve as Chriss’ backup.

Even if Looney can thrive at center, it’d be tough to trust him as the young power forward has battled several injuries throughout the last few seasons. Looney played in just 20 games last season.

The Warriors will be just fine with Chriss as the rest of their roster is elite, but there’s quite a bit left to be desired when it comes to the center position. Joel Embiid would help solve that hole.