Grade the Trade: Golden State Warriors potential offer for league MVP
![PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 16: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors shoots past Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center on December 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 16: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors shoots past Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center on December 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5e6df74c6ccb15a032125e1370dc5c0d9b67e51a6431bb97a635b6f47ce658a1.jpg)
Put simply, Philadelphia aren’t entertaining any trade offer for Embiid under their own accord. He’s a generational, all-time great player and you don’t move those guys willingly, particularly while still in the prime of their career.
Any Embiid trade would have to come at the request of the man himself. The potential of that only grows the further time goes on without significant 76er success, with the prospect further highlighted by the dysfunction currently surrounding the franchise.
Having faced an almighty stand-off with Ben Simmons a couple of years ago, Philadelphia now faces the same prospect with the man they traded Simmons for — James Harden. A former MVP himself, Harden has slammed General Manager Daryl Morey as a ‘liar’ and has copped a $100,000 fine as a result.
While most eyes are on that situation, some are panning to Embiid to see if something arises there. For all the talent the six-time All-Star has played with over the journey, the 76ers have never got further than the second-round of the postseason.
If Embiid does eventually ask out, this Warrior offer is neither an optimal outcome nor a complete disaster. They get a valuable three-and-D wing in Wiggins, a two-way explosive young talent in Kuminga, a potential expiring contract in Paul, and some future draft capital that could be very enticing given Embiid and the veteran Warrior core will all be between 33 and 39 years of age by the time the first one comes around.
Bleacher Report’s 76er expert Bryan Toporek had this response to the potential offer –
"“If the Sixers are trading Embiid, they should be looking to clean house. Getting off P.J. Tucker’s contract is an added bonus here, but Wiggins wouldn’t make much long-term sense for them as they rebuild around Tyrese Maxey.”"
You could make an opposing argument in regard to Wiggins whose now mature skillset should theoretically mould with Maxey or any other star for that matter. Regardless, Toporek is probably right in suggesting ‘they’d have better offers on the table’. With three years plus a player option left on a five-year, $213.3 millon contact, there’s no rush for Philadelphia should an Embiid trade request arise.
Regardless, the real question for Warrior fans remains, would the franchise be bold enough to attempt such a move?