NBA Rumors: 3 teams Joel Embiid should demand a trade to

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and guard Luka Doncic. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) /

3 teams Joel Embiid should demand a trade to, No. 2: Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks gave it a shot by bringing in some big-name help for Luka Doncic. The issue was, they brought in Kyrie Irving. While yes, Irving is one of the best point guards in the game, he didn’t help lead the team to victories. Specifically, the Mavericks were 8-12 with Irving playing. With that, the Maverick missed out on the playoffs, solidified after the team sat their stars at the tail end of the season.

Irving is set to become a free agent, so it’s entirely likely that he goes elsewhere to play. So who do the Mavericks pivot to help out Doncic?

Well, much like the Nets, the Mavericks were one of the worst teams in terms of scoring points in the paint. Specifically, they were the worst, averaging 42.8 points in the paint per game, per TeamRankings.com.

The Mavericks did try to get a top-tier scorer in the paint a couple of years ago in the form of Kristaps Porzingis, but that didn’t pan out the way they had expected. Embiid is levels better than Porzingis and would provide help in an area of need next season.

Doncic and Embiid playing together? That could be a tough team to beat in the Western Conference.