NBA Trade Deadline 2020: 5 crazy trades to remake the 76ers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 12: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk to the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 98-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers talk before the game on December 28, 2017 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Shaking up Portland

Playing without Jusuf Nurkic this season, it’s hard to say whether or not the Portland Trail Blazers would be in the Western Conference’s top eight right now if they had their starting center in the fold. At the same time, it does feel safe to say that, Nurkic or not, the Trail Blazers do have a defined ceiling with their team constructed around the backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.

Subsequently, the idea of listening to the 76ers and majorly shaking things up comes to mind. As talented as Nurkic is and as great of a player as McCollum is as well, it’s safe to say that Joel Embiid is an upgrade in terms of talent. In this potential, trade, he would be far and away the best player in the deal but would also be a perfect partner to work high-low with Lillard while also not sacrificing everything on the wing as they also acquire Josh Richardson.

As for Philadelphia, this again comes back to spacing the floor around Simmons, something that McCollum would be able to do with his ability to both spot up on the perimeter and knock down outside shots and to create his own looks as well. On top of that, the addition of Nurkic would give them some juice in the frontcourt when they need a strong presence on the interior.

Because of the discrepancy between Embiid and the rest of the players in this deal, the Trail Blazers also have to send the Sixers their 2020 first-round pick. However, if giving up that draft capital means that they get a superstar center that fits into their long-term plans, that should be well worth doing.