Working out NBA mega-deals is always tricky, but that hasn’t stopped one scenario from catching attention — one that would send Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Golden State Warriors.
In a mock trade from Sports Illustrated’s Dave Holcomb, the Sixers and Warriors come together on a blockbuster idea built around Golden State’s ongoing contract standoff with forward Jonathan Kuminga. While the Sixers have no current plans to move Embiid — Marc Stein reported in June that they intend to give him another shot alongside Paul George and Tyrese Maxey — the pitch makes for an intriguing “what if” heading into the offseason.
The Hypothetical Proposal
Holcomb’s idea sends Embiid to Golden State in exchange for Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Buddy Hield and two first-round picks.
From the Warriors’ perspective, it’s a gamble on pairing Stephen Curry with one of the league’s most dominant bigs. For the Sixers, it’s a package that offers a young, high-upside forward in Kuminga, a promising big in Jackson-Davis, veteran shooting from Hield, and draft capital to help retool around George and Maxey.
Holcomb also notes that Philadelphia could push for a third first-rounder if Golden State isn’t willing to part with another starter.
Why the Sixers Might Consider It
On paper, the Sixers want Embiid back, healthy and ready to chase a title. But durability remains a concern — he’s played just 19 games this season after 39 the year before and has never topped 68 in any season.
If Philadelphia doubts he can return to his 2022–23 MVP form, moving him while his value is still high could be the smartest long-term play. Kuminga would give them a potential cornerstone at 22 years old, while the rest of the package adds both immediate contributors and future flexibility.
Warriors’ All-In Gamble
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid guards Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
For the Warriors, this would be the ultimate win-now swing. Embiid’s prime would align with the tail end of Curry’s championship window, and if healthy, the 30-year-old could transform Golden State’s frontcourt.
It would also resolve the team’s messy situation with Kuminga. Anthony Slater of ESPN recently reported that Kuminga’s camp pitched a three-year, $82 million extension, which the Warriors resisted. Talks have stalled, and Kuminga has hinted that he may prefer playing out his deal and hitting free agency rather than taking the team’s current offer.
In that light, moving him in a package for a player of Embiid’s caliber could be as much about solving a roster headache as it is about chasing another title.
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