Trading Joel Embiid would be the boldest move the Philadelphia 76ers have made in a decade. It would signal the end of an era built on patience, trust, and unfulfilled potential
Yet it could also open the door to a new and possibly more successful chapter.
For the Lakers, it would be a classic “all-in” gamble. LeBron James isn’t getting younger, and opportunities to add a player of Embiid’s caliber don’t come around often.
The price will be steep, but the potential reward—a championship—may be worth it.
The next few months will be pivotal for both franchises. If Embiid is truly on the table, expect the Lakers to be at the front of the line—ready to make another splash in their never-ending quest for glory.
This mock deal, while hypothetical, reveals the complex balance of win-now pressure and long-term planning. The Lakers roll the dice for one last championship push with LeBron James.
The 76ers recalibrate around Maxey and a younger core. The Nets position themselves smartly for the next wave of team-building.
In today’s NBA, where stars drive movement and front offices chase championships, bold trades like this could define legacies—for better or worse.
Also Read: Was Joel Embiid Unfairly Snubbed? Anthony Davis Rises in Top 10 NBA Players List
Table of Contents
Joel Embiid to LA: The Rumblings Grow Louder
Joel Embiid’s future in Philadelphia appears increasingly uncertain. Despite his MVP-caliber talent and dominant presence on the floor, the 76ers have repeatedly fallen short in the playoffs.
The recent addition of Paul George and the rise of Tyrese Maxey haven’t been enough to elevate them past the competition, and with Embiid’s ongoing injury woes, the organization could be ready to consider life after “The Process.”
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are actively monitoring the market for a dominant big man.
According to Dan Woike of the LA Times, the Lakers are willing to part with a key piece like Austin Reaves if it means acquiring a “top-tier” center. If Embiid becomes available, it’s almost inevitable that the Lakers will be in the mix.
Loved using the @cryptocom Visa Card to buy my fit with @TyreseMaxey #FFTB #CROFam
Did you catch the hidden merch I signed? Enter now to win:https://t.co/FjM8recgma pic.twitter.com/5YkSpSc0E4
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) March 26, 2025
The Philadelphia Perspective: A Bold Pivot
If the 76ers were to trade Embiid, it would mark the end of an era. “The Process” was centered around Embiid’s potential, and moving on would be emotionally difficult for the fan base. But it could also be a savvy basketball decision.
With Paul George, Maxey, and McCain forming a new core, Philadelphia could reshape itself into a faster, more perimeter-oriented team. Reaves would bring versatility and intelligence to their backcourt.
Hachimura adds depth and playoff experience. The draft picks could yield future stars or serve as trade chips.
This move would not be a full rebuild—it would be a retool aimed at sustained playoff relevance.
Joel Embiid’s Time in Philadelphia
A Tale of Unfulfilled Potential
Since being drafted in 2014, Joel Embiid has emerged as one of the most skilled centers in NBA history.
A multi-time All-Star and the 2023 MVP, Embiid has consistently delivered elite individual performances. However, his postseason résumé leaves much to be desired.
Philadelphia has failed to break through to the Eastern Conference Finals during his tenure, losing in painful fashion year after year.
Whether it was the Kawhi Leonard buzzer-beater in 2019 or recent struggles against deeper playoff teams, Embiid’s Sixers have been unable to get over the hump.
His injury history compounds the disappointment. Since 2022, Embiid has missed significant postseason time, including playing just 19 games in the 2024 season due to a recurring knee issue. At 30 years old, the window for him to dominate is still open—but it may be narrowing.
The Financial Weight of a Superstar
Embiid is under contract for $55.2 million next season, with a massive three-year, $192.9 million extension set to kick in before the 2026–27 campaign. For the 76ers, this represents both a commitment and a risk.
If Embiid remains injured or cannot lead them past the second round, his contract could become a burden rather than a blessing.
On the other hand, moving Embiid now—while he still holds considerable value—could allow Philadelphia to hit the reset button.
They’ve secured the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, added veteran star Paul George, and boast promising youth like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. Trading Embiid could give them cap flexibility and more assets to build a longer-term contender.
Why the Lakers Would Pursue Embiid
The Lakers are in win-now mode. With LeBron James defying time and Anthony Davis still in his prime, the front office knows its championship window is shrinking.
However, the team’s recent performances have shown that they lack a dominant third piece who can shift the balance of power in the West.
Joel Embiid could be that player. When healthy, he’s a top-five talent capable of changing the game on both ends of the floor. Pairing him with LeBron and Davis would create arguably the most fearsome frontcourt in modern NBA history.
There’s also the market factor—Embiid in Los Angeles would be a ratings and ticket-selling juggernaut, something ownership would relish.
What a Trade Package Might Look Like
Any realistic deal between the Sixers and Lakers would have to meet salary-matching rules and involve valuable young pieces.
The Lakers’ most enticing asset is Austin Reaves, a versatile guard who has developed into a reliable scorer and playmaker. Philadelphia would likely demand him as a centerpiece in any Embiid deal.
Other potential trade pieces could include:
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Rui Hachimura – young, athletic forward with scoring upside
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Jalen Hood-Schifino – promising second-year guard
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2029 and 2031 first-round picks – critical for long-term team building
The Lakers would almost certainly have to mortgage their future to land Embiid, but it may be a price worth paying given the championship implications.
Joel Embiid: Risks and Rewards for the Lakers
Trading for Embiid isn’t without its perils. His injury history could come back to haunt the Lakers, especially if they give up young talent and picks for a player who misses time.
There’s also the concern of fit. Would Embiid and Davis coexist effectively in the frontcourt? Both prefer playing inside, and spacing could be an issue.
But the reward is obvious: a legitimate Big Three capable of contending with the likes of Denver, Boston, and Milwaukee. A healthy trio of LeBron, Davis, and Embiid would make the Lakers instant title favorites.
Could Embiid Force His Way to LA?
In today’s NBA, star players hold more leverage than ever. If Embiid privately or publicly expresses a desire to join the Lakers, it could sway Philadelphia’s hand. A player of his stature often dictates where they land when trade talks heat up.
The Lakers’ prestige, championship pedigree, and market appeal give them an advantage in these situations. They’ve lured superstars before—think Shaq, Pau Gasol, Anthony Davis—and Embiid could be next in line.
A Look at the Post-Trade NBA Landscape
If this blockbuster trade happens, the ripple effects would be enormous.
For the Eastern Conference: The Sixers would lose a top-5 player but could become deeper and more balanced.
Teams like Boston, Milwaukee, and Miami would breathe a sigh of relief without having to game-plan for Embiid.
In the Western Conference: The Lakers instantly become championship contenders.
Denver and Minnesota would face a daunting challenge trying to match their new frontline. Golden State and Phoenix would need to rethink their own rosters in response.
The NBA is a league driven by stars—and Embiid’s move to LA could tilt the league’s power structure for years.
Also Read: Joel Embiid’s Olympics Critiqued by Charles Barkley for Mediocre Performances
Joel Embiid: The Mock Trade Breakdown
Here’s how the proposed three-team trade could shake out:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
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Joel Embiid
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2025 second-round pick (#35 via 76ers)
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2026 second-round pick (from Nets via Hawks)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive:
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Austin Reaves
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Nicolas Claxton
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Dorian Finney-Smith (player option)
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2030 first-round pick swap (via Lakers)
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2031 first-round pick (via Lakers)
Brooklyn Nets Receive:
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Rui Hachimura
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Gabe Vincent
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Dalton Knecht
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Adem Bona
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2028 first-round pick (from 76ers, via Clippers)
Philadelphia’s Pivot to the Future
For the 76ers, trading away Joel Embiid signals a new era. Whether it’s a full rebuild or a quick retool around Tyrese Maxey, this deal gives them flexibility.
They receive:
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Austin Reaves, a 26-year-old rising star who can handle playmaking and scoring responsibilities.
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Nicolas Claxton, a younger, athletic big who could anchor the paint and run the floor.
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Dorian Finney-Smith, a strong perimeter defender and veteran presence.
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Two valuable picks, including a 2031 first-rounder and a 2030 pick swap with the Lakers.
Embiid’s injury history has impacted his trade value, making this package realistic. Philadelphia gets foundational pieces for the future and avoids a long, painful rebuild.
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Brooklyn’s Strategic Play
The Nets have been at a crossroads since the departures of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
This deal allows them to add talent, youth, and draft capital while reshaping their core.
By sending out Claxton and Finney-Smith, the Nets gain:
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Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent, both solid rotational pieces.
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Dalton Knecht and Adem Bona, intriguing young prospects with upside.
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A 2028 first-round pick from the Clippers via the 76ers, adding another asset for future moves.
Brooklyn doesn’t make a drastic leap but positions itself well for a rebuild or another star-chasing opportunity in the coming seasons.
Potential Risks for Each Team
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Lakers: Embiid’s injury history could derail the team if he misses significant time. Losing depth could also haunt them in the playoffs.
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76ers: Moving on from a franchise icon is always a gamble. If Reaves or Claxton underwhelm, the rebuild could stagnate.
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Nets: Giving up Claxton could hurt if the young players they acquire don’t pan out. Their timeline becomes even more uncertain.
Winners and Losers? It Depends on the Future
At face value, all three teams could be considered winners depending on how their timelines play out:
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Lakers win now if Embiid stays healthy and delivers deep playoff runs.
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76ers win later if Reaves blossoms into a star and Claxton holds down the paint.
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Nets win in between by betting on youth and collecting assets to stay relevant in the East.
Joel Embiid: Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
Such a trade would dominate headlines for weeks. Lakers fans would be buzzing about a new “Big Three.”
Sixers fans may be divided—some ready to move on, others crushed by the loss of Embiid. Nets fans might see this as the front office finally committing to a new direction.
NBA insiders would scrutinize every angle, and the pressure would immediately shift to Darvin Ham and the Lakers’ coaching staff to integrate Embiid quickly.
Austin Reaves has evolved from an undrafted player to a near-star, capable of leading second units or closing playoff games. His combination of scoring, facilitating, and toughness has made him a fan favorite in LA and a respected name league-wide.
His inclusion is a necessity due to the Lakers’ lack of tradeable salaries and valuable draft assets. For the 76ers, he becomes a major part of their post-Embiid core.
Claxton’s Fit in Philly
Nicolas Claxton quietly emerged as one of the league’s better rim-running, shot-blocking centers. In Philadelphia, he wouldn’t be expected to carry a scoring load but could thrive defensively in a lineup with Maxey and Reaves.
His age (25) and improving offensive game make him a long-term fit. The Sixers would likely offer him an extension to solidify his role in their plans.
The Lakers take on Embiid’s max contract, which limits their cap flexibility, but they retain LeBron and AD as cornerstones. Their future draft picks are mortgaged, but it’s the cost of contention.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, sheds salary and opens up the books. Claxton and Reaves are both on manageable deals, and Finney-Smith has a player option, giving them flexibility in 2025.
Brooklyn adds young contracts and a pick but avoids long-term financial burdens. Each team manages its cap sheet strategically in this trade.
Also Read: Joel Embiid (NBA): Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Wife, Net Worth 2024 and More
