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NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid

By Nicholas Chiarito

May 9, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a three point basket in the second half during game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a three point basket in the second half during game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Apr 21, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guards Donovan Mitchell (45) and Caris LeVert (3) react during the fourth quarter of game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

After recent rumors it is possible that the 76ers may move on from the 2023 NBA MVP eventually. Here are 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid as soon as he becomes available, whether it’s this season or next. 

Over the last 3 seasons Joel Embiid has been one of the best players in the NBA averaging 30.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1 steal, 1.5 blocks on 52/36/84 shooting splits. He led the league in scoring the past two seasons, finished second in the MVP voting twice, and won the MVP last season.

As impressive as his regular seasons have been, Embiid has come up small in the playoffs as he has not gotten past the second round at any point in his career. The 76ers tried changing things up by getting additional help like Tobias Harris, Jimmy Butler and James Harden but it still hasn’t been enough.

As Embiid’s star teammate James Harden has made it clear he would like to be traded to the Clippers it may be time for the 76ers to also trade Joel Embiid if they cannot build a championship contender around him. Here are 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid.

3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid: Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers had one of the best offseasons last year as they pulled off a trade to acquire star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. They paired him up with two All-Stars in Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen and with one of the rising young talents in the league in Evan Mobley.

The Cavaliers were projected to be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference and they exceeded expectations as they finished with a record of 51-31 which was tied for fifth best in the league. At the time they were a potential threat to win the East but got upset in the first round and lost to the Knicks in 5 games.

The Cavs were a piece away from being contenders, but what better piece to add than the 2023 MVP. As great as the Cavs are, they don’t have a superstar — a player that you can rely on to carry your team to a championship. Joel Embiid is exactly that.

In order for this trade to be pulled off the Cavaliers would have to give up Jarrett Allen and potentially Evan Mobley. They will get that back tenfold for receiving Joel Embiid. They will get all of Allen’s and Mobley’s defensive ability but more importantly they receive generational offensive talent from Embiid.

The presence of Embiid alone will improve the team but he will also be the best player that Donovan Mitchell has ever played for. Mitchell is used to being the best player on the team and why he himself hasn’t gotten past the second round. Playing alongside Embiid, and known for being a great playoff performer, will drastically increase the Cavs chances of winning an NBA Championship.

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