BLOCKBUSTER TRADE ALERT: 76ers Shock NBA by Sending Embiid to Warriors in Franchise-Shaking Move!

The NBA trade market is rife with rumors, but some hypothetical scenarios are more compelling than others. While insider Marc Stein reported that the Philadelphia 76ers are not looking to move on from Joel Embiid this offseason, a mock trade is still fun to explore. What if Embiid, one of the league’s premier centers, were to join the Golden State Warriors? This deal, which revolves around Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation, could be a solution for both teams, but it’s a high-stakes gamble that could reshape the NBA landscape.

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1. The Hypothetical Trade: Is It Feasible?

In this mock trade scenario, a blockbuster deal between the 76ers and Warriors would be structured as follows:

Golden State Warriors receive: Joel Embiid.

Philadelphia 76ers receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Buddy Hield, and two first-round picks.

Jonathan Kuminga would be the biggest asset heading back to Philadelphia for Embiid, but the Warriors would likely need to include more to make the deal fair. Embiid is a former MVP, and to acquire him, the Warriors would have to sacrifice some of their most valuable assets. The two first-round picks would be a necessary sweetener to convince the 76ers to pull the trigger.

2. Why This Trade Makes Sense for the 76ers
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Although the 76ers want to keep Embiid to play alongside Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, his persistent injury issues are a major concern. Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a single regular season. He only played in 19 games in 2024-25 and 39 games the season prior. If the 76ers don’t believe Embiid can return to his 2022-23 MVP form, trading him while his value is still high is a logical move.

Acquiring Jonathan Kuminga would be a strategic step. Kuminga, only 22, has a complicated contract situation with the Warriors. He is seeking a significant deal, and the 76ers could offer him the chance to be a star. He would have the opportunity to develop his talent more fully in Philadelphia. Additionally, getting Buddy Hield and two first-round picks would give the 76ers the flexibility to rebuild their roster.

3. Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Warriors

Acquiring Embiid comes with a lot of risk, but the Warriors are one of the most logical destinations. They are in a transitional phase. The Warriors might not be as concerned with Embiid’s age because he would likely start to decline around the same time the franchise would need to begin rebuilding anyway. If fully healthy, Embiid would be a dominant force in the frontcourt, a perfect complement to the Warriors’ perimeter firepower.
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Furthermore, trading Kuminga would resolve a messy contract situation. Kuminga is reportedly seeking a three-year, $82 million deal, which the Warriors have resisted. This situation is causing instability, and a trade would allow the Warriors to move forward without the distraction.

4. Tactical and Fantasy Implications

If this trade were to happen, Embiid would no longer be the sole focal point of the offense as he was in Philadelphia. However, playing alongside a three-point master like Stephen Curry would create a terrifying offensive synergy. Embiid could see a significant increase in his field-goal percentage as a result. On the other hand, the addition of Embiid might lead to a downtick in shot attempts for Curry, especially as the 37-year-old superstar’s athleticism begins to wane.

For Kuminga, a move to the 76ers would present his biggest opportunity yet. Averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 47 games last season, Kuminga would have a chance to significantly increase his production and become one of the 76ers’ foundational young players.
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While the Philadelphia 76ers are holding firm on Joel Embiid, a hypothetical trade with the Golden State Warriors is a compelling scenario. It’s a high-stakes gamble for both sides: the 76ers could trade a superstar for stability, while the Warriors could risk their future for another championship opportunity. Will this ever become a reality? The answer is likely no, but it remains one of the most intriguing what-if scenarios for NBA fans to discuss this offseason.