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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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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid: Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have failed to be in championship contention ever since Kevin Durant left them during the 2016 Free Agency period. Going into this season it seemed the Thunder were going nowhere, as they were projected to win 26 games, but they shocked the world finishing with a record of 40-42 and made the Play-in.

The Thunder had a breakout season due to their fast pace but more importantly the play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He had is best season of his career averaging 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists on 51/35/91 splits and was selected First Team All-NBA. Shai also has one of the best rookies alongside him in Jalen Williams and another great all-around player in Josh Giddey.

The Thunder are expected to take another leap this year as the second-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Chet Holmgren, should play this season. The Thunder could become legit championship contenders by trading for Joel Embiid instead of waiting for Chet to develop.

In order to pull off this trade, the Thunder would have to center the trade around Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, and some of the 16 first-round picks they have up until 2030. Pairing Shai and Joel Embiid would instantly make them one of the best duos in the league and would make the Thunder serious contenders.

One area that the Thunder really struggled in was paint presence as the majority of their big men weigh less than 225 pounds. Embiid will fix all of their big men struggles as he’s one of the best two-way players in the league.

Also, another aspect that the Thunder can provide Embiid that the 76ers have struggled to is their depth. Having players like Giddey, Williams, Isaiah Joe, and Kenrich Williams are huge for Championship teams as those players are fully capable of stepping up on the big stage.

If the Thunder want a chance of winning a championship right now, they should seriously consider trading for Embiid if he becomes available.

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