The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2024-25 season has been nothing short of a catastrophe, and at the center of this turmoil is Joel Embiid. Embiid’s campaign has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 19 games. His performance, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, reflects a decline from his MVP-caliber standards. The team’s dismal 20-38 record further underscores the urgency for a seismic shift.
Compounding the Sixers’ woes is the underwhelming contribution from Paul George. Despite inking a lucrative $212 million contract, George is enduring his worst scoring season since his second season in the league, averaging a mere 16.4 points per game. His recent decision to pause his podcast to ‘get his body right‘ speaks volumes about his struggles and the team’s dire situation.
In light of these challenges, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that Embiid may need to seek a fresh start elsewhere. The synergy that once promised championship contention has fizzled, and both Embiid and the 76ers might benefit from exploring new horizons. As the offseason approaches, identifying potential destinations for Embiid will be crucial for his career trajectory and the Sixers’ rebuilding efforts.
Golden State Warriors
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-And-Trade), Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
The Warriors have been searching for their next generational big man since the departure of Kevin Durant, and acquiring Joel Embiid would instantly elevate them back into championship contention. Despite the presence of Jimmy Butler, Golden State lacks a true interior presence who can dominate both ends of the floor.
Embiid, when healthy, is still the most skilled center in basketball, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season despite injuries. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and facilitate an offense would make him an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Stephen Curry, giving Golden State a dominant inside-outside game they haven’t had in years.
For Philadelphia, the return package is built around youth and upside. Jonathan Kuminga, who has shown flashes of star potential, would become a cornerstone for the Sixers. The 21-year-old forward is averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while improving as a defender.
Moody and Podziemski provide wing depth and shooting, while the two first-round picks (2028 and 2031) ensure Philly has assets for the future. However, this trade hinges on whether Golden State is ready to mortgage its future for one last shot at another title. Given Embiid’s injury history, it’s a risky move—but one that could deliver another ring if all goes right.
This move would likely be Golden State’s final major shake-up before Curry’s inevitable decline. The Warriors front office has been reluctant to part with Kuminga, but with Curry still playing at an MVP level and Draymond Green’s championship window closing, this might be their best (and last) chance to secure another title.
Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
The Miami Heat have always been aggressive in chasing superstars, and Joel Embiid fits the mold of a dominant force they’ve been missing in the paint. The Heat have struggled with interior scoring, relying heavily on Bam Adebayo’s versatility rather than having a true go-to big man.
Adding Embiid—who’s still an elite post presence—would take a significant load off Tyler Herro while giving Miami a true franchise center. Imagine Erik Spoelstra designing sets for an Embiid-Adebayo frontcourt—one that could dominate defensively while still allowing Embiid to be the primary offensive weapon.
For Philadelphia, this trade signals a shift toward a different direction. Andrew Wiggins, at 30 years old, remains a solid two-way wing who can defend elite scorers and space the floor (17.6 PPG on 36.7% 3-PT FG). Jaime Jaquez Jr. has a high ceiling and is averaging 8.9 points on 43.7% shooting while showcasing a high basketball IQ.
The draft compensation isn’t overwhelming, but getting Miami’s 2025 first-round pick and a future second-rounder gives the Sixers flexibility for a future move. The Heat have been reluctant to make big changes, but with Butler gone and the East only getting tougher, this might be the time to swing for the fences.
Orlando Magic
Proposed Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Frank Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN), 2027 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick (BOS or MEM), 2026 Second-Round Pick (DET or MIL)
The Magic have assembled one of the best young cores in the league, and acquiring Joel Embiid would be the move that pushes them into legitimate championship contention. Orlando’s defense is already elite, ranking top-five in defensive efficiency, but they lack a dominant offensive anchor.
Embiid, when healthy, solves that issue instantly. Pairing him with Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs would create a terrifying blend of size, skill, and defensive versatility. This move transforms the Magic from an exciting young team into an immediate title threat.
The Sixers, on the other hand, get a haul that prioritizes long-term sustainability. Franz Wagner is a future All-Star, averaging 24.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting efficiently from all three levels. Jonathan Isaac, while injury-prone, remains an elite defender and gives Philadelphia another versatile forward.
The real prize, however, is the stockpile of draft picks. Securing three first-rounders—including Denver’s 2025 pick—allows the Sixers to either rebuild completely or flip assets for another star.
For Orlando, this is an all-in move and one that could define their franchise for the next decade. Banchero is already one of the best young talents in the NBA, and having Embiid as his running mate would be a dream scenario. For a team that has been patiently rebuilding, this trade might be worth the gamble.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick (SAC)
The Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity for years, and trading for Joel Embiid could finally give them a true franchise player. Chicago’s core of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic has failed to elevate them past the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference.
Swapping out Vucevic for Embiid instantly gives them a dominant force inside, while Coby White has emerged as one of the most underrated young guards in the NBA, averaging 18.0 points and 4.6 assists per game this season.
Philadelphia gets a mix of assets that offer both short-term and long-term benefits. While Vucevic isn’t a star, he’s a serviceable big who can provide immediate value. White gives them a dynamic scoring guard, and the draft picks—especially the 2026 and 2028 first-rounders—allow the Sixers to build for the future.
The Bulls likely wouldn’t hesitate to make this deal, as it finally gives them a legitimate shot at making noise in the East. For Chicago, this trade is all about star power.
Embiid and LaVine could form a lethal inside-out duo and the Bulls suddenly have a core capable of competing with the rest of the playoff teams in the East. The problem? Chicago’s front office has been notoriously hesitant to make aggressive moves, and they’d need to be fully committed to this direction.
Brooklyn Nets
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Nic Claxton, Cameron Johnson, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC or HOU or PHX), 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
The Brooklyn Nets have been searching for their next superstar since Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving left, and trading for Joel Embiid could be the move that puts them back in the spotlight. Despite their struggles, Brooklyn has an intriguing mix of assets and young talent, and pairing Embiid with Cam Thomas (24.7 PPG) would create one of the best inside-out duos in the league.
Nic Claxton is an elite rim protector, but he lacks Embiid’s offensive versatility. With Embiid in the mix, Brooklyn immediately becomes a playoff contender. Philadelphia’s return package here is solid but not spectacular.
Nic Claxton has emerged as one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA, averaging 2.6 blocks per game while improving as a finisher. Cameron Johnson provides floor spacing and two-way play (19.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG on 40.9% 3-PT FG), and the draft picks—especially the 2027 Knicks first-rounder—give Philly some leverage for future moves. However, this trade lacks the young star potential that other offers (like Golden State’s or Orlando’s) provide.
For Brooklyn, this is a risky yet high-upside move. They’d need to be confident that Embiid can stay on the floor and that they can build a title-worthy supporting cast around him. If it works, the Nets could return to the top of the East. If it doesn’t, they could find themselves stuck in another difficult rebuild.
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