Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid has had a terrific NBA career when he’s available. However, injuries have stained his resume, which includes seven All-Star selections and a 2023 MVP award, leading to questions about his future with the 76ers.
Though he’s expected to remain in Philadelphia, there’s an off chance that 76ers decision-makers will broach the market for their 31-year-old big man, who could net them a big haul.
If so, which teams would be in the market for Embiid?
5 Trade Landing Spots for Seven-Time All-Star Joel Embiid
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix decision-makers have been shown to make some questionable decisions, especially in trading for guard Bradley Beal. But with the potential for a Kevin Durant trade this summer — the Suns reportedly explored it at the trade deadline — Embiid could be a potential swap on the table.
That would be a tremendous addition for the Suns, as they’d get a star who’s five years younger. The risk is that Embiid is a far greater injury risk than Durant, who still has some good years left. Philadelphia adding Durant would fit with their win-now mode, adding to their core of All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
Orlando Magic
With two young star forwards and lacking a big-time center, the Magic could dangle Franz Wagner in front of the 76ers in exchange for Embiid. At 23 years old, Wagner is still improving his game and is coming off a strong season in which he averaged 24.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
Though it seems like Orlando is in it for the long run with Paolo Banchero and Wagner, if Embiid is available, it’s certainly a possibility. Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. has been underwhelming both offensively and defensively. Embiid would immediately raise their ceiling and push them to contention in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit Pistons
After a breakthrough 2024-25 campaign, the arrow is pointing up for star guard Cade Cunningham and the Pistons. They have a slew of young, promising players – something Philadelphia could target if they were to test Embiid’s trade value.
Jalen Duren, Ron Holland, and Ausar Thompson are all players on Detroit’s roster with immense potential yet to be reached. If general manager Trajan Langdon opts to go all-in for a title run, Embiid would be a requisite star duo alongside Cunningham.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have already shown they’re all in on maxing out Stephen Curry’s twilight years in the league, as the 37-year-old was joined by the 35-year-old Jimmy Butler III in a midseason trade that led them to the second round of the playoffs.
Having a number of young pieces on their team such as Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski, Golden State decision-makers could woo the 76ers into a trade for Embiid if they want to get younger. This would instantly make the Warriors a title contender – barring injuries.
Sacramento Kings
If Philadelphia suddenly becomes convinced that they won’t win a championship with Embiid, the Kings could be a spot as a team that is in limbo with new general manager Scott Perry stepping in this offseason.
Sacramento has several stars in Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, players who the 76ers could take on and swap for picks or other young players across the league. This unlikely to happen, but after the Luka Doncic trade, anything is possible in this era of the NBA.
