One NBA GM Ponders What A Joel Embiid Trade Could Look Like: “It Would Have To Be Kawhi”

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum

2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals – Joel Embiid had the chance to close out the Boston Celtics after going up 3-2 and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in his career. But unfortunately, that wasn’t what happened.

Embiid was undeniably MVP material in the regular season, but when it came to delivering in the playoffs, he barely did enough. Following a disappointing playoff performance, one NBA general manager now pondered what an Embiid trade could look like if somehow he becomes available in the trade market.

Talking to Sean Deveney of Heavy, the aforementioned GM determined that the asking price for Embiid should feature a proven NBA star. Weighing out potential options, he then mentioned Kawhi Leonard as one player who fits the bill.

“It would have to be a star, a proven star,” the GM said. “They want one player back, an even swap. There are not many who fit that with Embiid. Kawhi (Leonard) might be the only guy who really fits, a guy they (the Clippers) might be willing to move off of and who would be in the same category as Embiid, a guy (Morey) would even consider. I am not even sure Paul George would fit, it would have to be Kawhi, that is just my guess. That’s how strong they are on Joel.”