Paul Pierce believes Joel Embiid will benefit from a move to the Lakers and Timberwolves.
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers began this season with the hopes of competing for the NBA championship. The 76ers acquired Paul George and formed the Big Three alongside Embiid and Ty Maxie.
However, their season turned out to be a complete disaster. George didn’t click well with the team, Embiid suffered a season-ending injury, and their rookie Jared McCain met the same fate.
They were rewarded for their struggle as the 76ers scored the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. So they decide to make a decision about their future.
76ers may trade draft picks. But Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett believe Joel Embiid should be the path maker.
Read more: Paul Pierce offers an alternative to the Philadelphia 76ers, travels for Kevin Durant, and sends Embiid to the Golden State Warriors
Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett spoke about Joel Embiid’s future on their podcast. Pierce believes the Lakers should try to land the landfill.
Another option he offered was to send Embiid to the Timberwolves. This is a move supported by Garnet, a former Timberwolves star. However, KG believes that some big assets need to go.
Paul Pierce: “If we could find a way to get Embiid to the Lakers. LeBron would probably retire Luca and him another year, where else?”
Kevin Garnett: “If Embiid went to the Lakers, it would be crazy.”
Pierce: “Embiid to Minnesota. Take everyone, everyone.
Garnet (if he was 76ers GM): “No, I don’t want that. For the big buddies, I want everything there. Give me Naz Reed, Divinsenzo, Randle, Rudy.”
Piercing: “Here you got them all.”
Read more: Matt Burns claims Joel Embiid and Nicola Jokic as “I think I’m crazy”
With Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey forming a strong backcourt and acquiring new franchise players, should the 76ers consider trading Embiid?
Moving Embiid marks the end of the “process” era. This is something that despite many attempts, they were unable to win the NBA Championship.
Embiid is 31 years old and has countless injuries that have affected his ability to play regular and consistent basketball.
Needless to say, Paul George’s huge contract is a huge salary cap for the team. It may be time to leave the Embiid era.
