Grade the Trade: Golden State Warriors potential offer for league MVP

With an all-time great trio that’s developed unparalleled chemistry for over a decade, the Warriors have seldom need to make major moves over recent times. It’s part of the reason their Jordan Poole for Chris Paul trade was so explosive — it’s not the sort of trade the franchise has needed to make during this generation.

But with Mike Dunleavy Jr. in place as the new General Manager, it’s clear Golden State are in win-now mode. This would be the biggest possible step into that direction, and one of the most notable moves in franchise history.

The idea of Embiid on the Warriors is undoubtedly a tantalizing one. He and Curry would instantly become the best duo in the league, and Embiid and Green might just be the best defensive tandem in the league as well. Throw in an all-time greater shooter in Thompson and you’ve got a quartet that would probably jump to favoritism for the championship.

But like any major trade where you’re dealing multiple pieces for one major asset, the real success of couldn’t be evaluated until other moves were made. Making this trade would leave Golden State short a starting small-forward, a spot they’d likely have to plug with Moses Moody or Gary Payton II. They’d also be down a backup point-guard unless they were comfortable in Cory Joseph filling that role.

Summary 

Assuming they were able to bring in one or two solid minimum-contract players post the trade, this would probably be a win for the Warriors. It’s a big risk and it’s a lot of assets, but none of them are going to materialize into anything in the realms of Embiid. His injury history is also greatly mitigated by the fact Looney would still be on the roster.

Grades:

Golden State Warriors: B

Philadelphia 76ers: D