When the Warriors traded for Andrew Wiggins earlier this season, nobody was sure he’d be a long-term staple in their plans.
With Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors already have their core in place. Where does the young, offensive-minded Wiggins fit into it all? The hope is that he will be a Kevin Durant-esque piece for them, but those are big shoes to fill for someone who has never seen a minute of postseason action.
Needless to say, Wiggins’ future with the Warriors is still very much uncertain and, if they can find a deal that works them now, there’s no reason to believe they wouldn’t consider giving him up.
Might Joel Embiid and Al Horford be enough to get a conversation started?
As a two-way big man who dominates the block, Embiid is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. He’s a 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA player, 2x Al-Defensive player who is averaging 23.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game on 47% shooting. Not only would he help the Warriors on the interior, but he’d also help spread the floor. They’d have the best frontcourt and backcourt duo in the NBA.
For the Sixers, the acquisition of Wiggins and Green might be enough to offset some of what they lose in Embiid — especially offensively, where the playstyle of Ben Simmons should help them excel. All-in-all, a lineup of Simmons, Wiggins, Tobias Harris, and Draymond should be enough to make them a major player in the East.
All-in-all, it’s a good deal for both sides. Considering the questionable situation both franchises find themselves in, a deal like this might be the best way for them to make the best of their current assets.
It’s a long shot, sure. But it’s certainly a possibility, especially once this current season comes to a close.
