The Philadelphia 76ers’ collapse in 2025 has once again thrown Joel Embiid’s future into chaos. After missing the playoffs completely with a putrid 24-58 record, the 76ers are aware that rival teams are circling, ready to pounce if Embiid finally requests a change of scenery.
At 31, with an MVP trophy and undeniable two-way dominance, Embiid remains the ultimate trade chip who could turn any contender into an instant title favorite.
From the Lakers and Heat to dark horses like the Magic and Rockets, every team with championship ambitions is weighing whether to make the call. Even if Embiid only appeared in 19 games this season (averaging 23.8 PPG and 8.2 RPG), there’s no shortage of suitors willing to push their chips in for the chance to build around a superstar.
Let’s break down what each contender could realistically offer and how close they could get to prying away the Sixers’ franchise centerpiece.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Proposed Trade Details
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jarrett Allen, De’Andre Hunter, 2031 First-Round Pick (CLE), 2031 Second-Round Pick (CLE)
Jarrett Allen is a rock-solid center, but swapping him for Joel Embiid would be a dramatic upgrade that could push Cleveland over the top. The Cavaliers are seeing Darius Garland (20.6 PPG, 6.7 APG) and Evan Mobley (18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG) come into their own, but if they fall short in the East again (currently down 0-2 in the second round), adding Embiid’s dominant post presence would change their entire ceiling.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen becomes the new starting center, and De’Andre Hunter gives Philly a starting wing, and two picks help them retool. But this feels light for an MVP-caliber talent, and Philly fans might have to accept a new era should management become sick of their core.
Boston Celtics
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White
This is bold: Boston trading Kristaps Porzingis (19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG) and Derrick White (16.4 PPG, 4.8 APG) to land Embiid would give them a monster defensive core of Embiid, Tatum, Brown, and Holiday. If the Celtics suffer another disappointing playoff exit (Tatum and Brown underwhelming again in a 0-2 start to the second round), Brad Stevens might see Embiid as the piece that puts them over the top.
Philly, though, gets a high-level two-way guard in White and an All-Star big in Porzingis, though the latter has injury flags. It’s risky but intriguing if Boston is serious about revamping the roster if they don’t make the Finals again. The Sixers could do worse than bringing back two sure-fire starters, though.
New York Knicks
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, 2025 First-Round Pick (WAS), 2026 Second-Round Pick (DET/MIL/ORL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)
Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart are a defense-first package, plus picks, but New York landing Embiid would make them instant East favorites. Pairing Embiid with Jalen Brunson, who’s been sensational this postseason, creates arguably the best 1-2 punch in the conference.
By the way, that’s not even mentioning Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby, who would complete a legitimate superteam. No doubt, the Knicks would easily be the team to beat moving forward with this deal done.
For Philly, Bridges and Hart give them elite wing defense around Maxey and George, and Robinson covers center duties, but again, it feels like a soft return unless those picks turn gold. The Knicks, though, should absolutely chase this if they don’t win it all this season.
Milwaukee Bucks
Proposed Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis (Sign-and-Trade), Pat Connaughton (Sign-and-Trade), 2031 Second-Round Pick (MIL)
The Bucks’ package feels like a desperate reshuffling more than a fair deal: Kuzma, Portis, and Connaughton won’t wow Sixers fans. Milwaukee clearly needs a change after flopping early in the postseason, and pairing Embiid with Giannis would be terrifying, but it’s hard to see this getting done without a third team.
Philly would view this as a step back unless they’re valuing cap space and role players over star power. Regardless, the Bucks would form arguably the best frontcourt of all time, and that might make Giannis rethink his future about staying in Milwaukee.
Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Nikola Jovic, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Wiggins, Robinson, Jovic, and picks, a classic Miami Heat mix of vets, young talent, and picks. Miami has struggled to find that third star next to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo following the Jimmy Butler trade, and Embiid would be the biggest fish they’ve landed since LeBron.
Wiggins gives Philly a big wing scorer, Robinson stretches the floor, and Jovic is a developmental piece, plus two firsts sweeten the pot. This one feels sneaky realistic and keeps Miami firmly in the contender mix after the Butler era ended.
Orlando Magic
Proposed Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick, and 2026 Second-Round Pick
The Magic have assembled one of the best young cores in the league, and making a move for Joel Embiid would instantly vault them into true contention in the East. Pairing Embiid with Paolo Banchero (25.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG) and Franz Wagner (24.2 PPG) would be devastating for opponents.
It’s a steep price, but for a franchise eager to move past the first round for the first time in over a decade, this is the kind of gamble that could pay off massively.
For Philadelphia, this is about diversifying. Suggs, who’s emerged as one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders while averaging 16.2 points this season, offers immediate help. Isaac, if healthy, is an All-Defense candidate, and Black remains a developmental piece alongside draft assets.
Detroit Pistons
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jalen Duren, Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart, 2027 First-Round Pick (DET), 2028 First-Round Pick (DET)
The Detroit Pistons showed tremendous improvement this season behind Cade Cunningham (26.1 PPG, 9.1 APG), but landing Embiid would completely change their perception. Cunningham has flashed superstar potential, and adding Embiid could give Detroit a formidable inside-out duo.
Trading Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and No. 5 pick Ron Holland is painful, but worth it if Embiid’s presence finally makes them relevant again. Financially, Detroit can absorb Embiid’s salary and still build a supporting cast.
For the Sixers, this package has appeal if they want to go young and big. Duren is an emerging center who averaged a double-double this season (11.8 PPG, 10.3 RPG), and Holland brings elite athleticism and defensive upside.
Stewart is a solid rotational big. While Detroit’s picks may not be high if Embiid works out, the Sixers get a trio of physically gifted players they can develop while staying competitive in the East.
Indiana Pacers
Proposed Trade Details
Indiana Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade), Andrew Nembhard, TJ McConnell, 2031 First-Round Pick (IND)
The Pacers cash in their chips in this deal, hoping Embiid’s MVP-level talent takes them from an Eastern Conference riser to an outright title threat. Pairing Embiid with Tyrese Haliburton, who’s been phenomenal this postseason (18.4 PPG, 10.7 APG), and Pascal Siakam, would instantly give Indiana an elite inside-out trio.
However, giving up Myles Turner (still an elite rim protector who posted 15.6 PPG and 2.0 BPG), rising playmaker Andrew Nembhard (10.0 PPG, 5.0 APG), and glue-guy TJ McConnell strips them of some identity and depth. The 2031 pick sweetens it, but the Pacers would be banking fully on Embiid staying healthy, a massive gamble.
From Philly’s side, this package isn’t flashy but offers real structure. Turner replaces some shot-blocking and floor-spacing at center, Nembhard is a rising playmaker who showed poise in big playoff moments, and McConnell’s toughness fits Philly’s blue-collar ethos.
It’s not a “superstar-for-superstar” return, but it gives the Sixers multiple rotation pieces and keeps them competitive while gathering future assets.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Proposed Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2027 First-Round Pick (DEN)
If any team can afford to make a godfather offer, it’s the Thunder. They swap out role players Luguentz Dort (elite defender), Isaiah Hartenstein (underrated rebounder), and Isaiah Joe (sniper shooter), plus three strong picks.
Embiid, alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, would form a terrifying core, blending size, shot creation, and defense. OKC has been deliberately building its contender, but this deal screams dynasty. The Thunder already won 68 wins this season, but adding Embiid would be complete overkill with two MVP-caliber players on one team.
For Philly, it’s a mixed bag. They get a defensive ace in Dort, a starting-caliber big in Hartenstein, and an elite shooter in Joe.
But no real star comes back, meaning it’s more of a “reset and stay competitive” move than a retool around a new centerpiece. The picks from OKC, LAC, and Denver help, but it’s a step back in terms of top-end talent, unless they flip these assets again.
Houston Rockets
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX)
Houston’s pitch is clear: trade potential for production. Jalen Green (21.5 PPG in the playoffs but still inconsistent) and Dillon Brooks (defensive specialist, playoff irritant) plus a Phoenix pick is a strong offer.
Adding Embiid to a Rockets team that’s already showing signs of contention would instantly make them a legit top-3 threat in the West. Embiid, Alperen Sengun, and Fred VanVleet? That’s a lot of veteran punch added to their young legs, which features Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.
For Philly, Green’s upside is tempting, though his shot selection and defensive lapses remain concerns. Brooks gives them an identity boost, but isn’t a cornerstone. The pick is solid but doesn’t tip the scales.
In short, this package leans on Green blossoming into a star. If he does, this could be a home run. If not, Philly may feel they sold low on Embiid.
Los Angeles Lakers
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick
The Lakers are betting big here, offering their key role players, Austin Reaves (who struggled in the playoffs), Rui Hachimura, and defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt, along with rookie Dalton Knecht and a future first. The prize? Embiid forming a superteam with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
This move would give LA arguably the best Big Three in the NBA, but depth would be a massive question mark, especially given Embiid’s injury track record. However, the first-round exit sparked conversation that the Lakers need a dominant big man, and Embiid is the most dominant you can get, not named Nikola Jokic.
For the Sixers, this package offers variety. Reaves (15.9 PPG this season) can slide in as a starting guard, Hachimura gives a scoring punch off the bench, Vanderbilt brings defensive versatility, and Knecht offers shooting upside.
The 2031 pick is far out, but valuable. Still, the package feels more quantity than quality, unless Reaves or Knecht makes a leap, it’s not a star return for an MVP. Philly would likely see this as the start of a longer retool, not a direct title pivot.
Denver Nuggets
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, Zeke Nnaji, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap, 2031 First-Round Pick (DEN)
The Nuggets swinging for Joel Embiid would be one of the boldest moves of all time. Pairing Embiid with Nikola Jokic, the reigning three-time MVP (29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG this season), would instantly create the most unstoppable offensive frontcourt in NBA history.
Denver parts with Michael Porter Jr., a sharpshooting forward who’s battled with consistency, plus young pieces Christian Braun and Zeke Nnaji. They also send over a pick swap in 2026 and a valuable 2031 first.
Losing Porter Jr.’s spacing will sting, but Denver banking on Jokic-Embiid dominance in half-court playoff battles is the type of swing that can extend their title window deeper into the 2020s.
For Philadelphia, this is a clear step into retool mode. Porter Jr. becomes a scoring focal point alongside Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, giving them two dynamic offensive weapons. Braun adds championship experience and versatile defense, while Nnaji can fill backup big man minutes.
The picks are long-term upside plays. It’s not the shiniest package, but it’s balanced between current talent and future draft control. For a Sixers team stuck in second-round limbo, it offers flexibility while still competing in the short term.
Los Angeles Clippers
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanovic, 2031 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
The Clippers’ package for Embiid is lighter on star power but heavy on depth. Norman Powell brings instant scoring (21.8 PPG), while Ivica Zubac (16.8 PPG, 12.6 RPG) gives Philly a serviceable starting center with strong rebounding and improved offensive presence.
Bogdan Bogdanovic adds another shooter and secondary playmaker, giving Philly a new-look rotation that could still push for the playoffs. The lone pick isn’t flashy, but it’s extra ammo in a potential rebuild or retool.
For L.A., this is about salvaging their superstar experiment. Kawhi Leonard isn’t getting younger, and the James Harden saga looks shakier by the day. Adding Embiid would give them a true inside force to balance their perimeter-heavy attack.
Health remains the biggest question. Embiid and Kawhi have both missed significant time, but if they roll the dice and stay upright, they’d be a legitimate Western Conference terror. This could be the last chance for Steve Ballmer to win with the current core.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Proposed Trade Details
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Naz Reid (Sign-and-Trade), Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, 2026 Second-Round Pick (IND/MIA/SAS), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MIN)
The Timberwolves giving up Naz Reid (sign-and-trade), Jaden McDaniels, and Donte DiVincenzo in this deal is steep but calculated. Embiid would slide into the center spot, replacing the need to balance Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert all the time.
This trade could signal the Wolves finally deciding to move on from one of their bigs, creating a more streamlined roster with Anthony Edwards and Embiid as the cornerstones. Embiid’s post scoring and rim protection would give Minnesota a real chance to come out of the West over the next few seasons.
Philly, in turn, would get two-way wing Jaden McDaniels, whose defensive chops fit perfectly next to Maxey. Naz Reid is an offensive big man with legit shooting range (14.2 PPG on 37.9% 3-PT FG), while DiVincenzo brings defense and winning habits. The picks are second-rounders, but this package gives the Sixers enough on-court talent to stay relevant while eyeing bigger moves with their future cap space.
Golden State Warriors
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW)
The Golden State Warriors’ offer is built around Jonathan Kuminga, who could be on the brink of a breakout year (15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG), and Moses Moody, a talented wing who’s flashed two-way potential. Buddy Hield gives the Sixers an elite shooter, and Brandin Podziemski is a crafty guard who could blossom in Philly’s system.
The 2027 first-round pick is significant because it gives Philly long-term leverage. For the Warriors, it’s about squeezing out another title run.
Pairing Embiid with Stephen Curry could create the deadliest pick-and-roll duo in the league. It also reunites the big man with former teammate, Jimmy Butler.
The risk, of course, is health, but Golden State’s dynasty clock is ticking, and this would be their all-in move. Philly gets younger, faster, and more versatile with Kuminga and Moody while maintaining floor spacing with Hield and Podziemski. The pick sweetens the pot just enough to make this one of the more intriguing win-win deals.
Dallas Mavericks
Proposed Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, 2031 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas’ package sends out Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Caleb Martin, a hefty group but one that nets them Joel Embiid to pair with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. If Nico Harrison wants to make things right with Mavericks fans after the Luka trade, getting Embiid for spare parts could do it.
Losing depth would hurt obviously, but Dallas could fill out the roster with veterans chasing rings and minimum contracts. Who would be able to score on the Mavs’ two bigs next season?
For the Sixers, Klay Thompson is no longer a top option, but his shooting and experience would help steady the team in transition. PJ Washington and Gafford are both productive, versatile frontcourt players, and Caleb Martin adds playoff grit.
It’s not a rebuild package, but more of a competitive reshuffle that allows Philly to stay in the mix while evaluating long-term moves.
