What Does James Harden Trade Mean for Joel Embiid?s Future?With?the?76ers?

Daryl Morey can finally exhale a contented sigh after a tumultuous summer. James Harden had made things extremely difficult for Philadelphia after his trade demands went unfulfilled. He had listed the LA Clippers as his preferred destination, and they were also his only suitors ? still, the trade talks had stalled. After months of heated exchanges from both sides, the two parties finally reached a conclusion.

The Clippers and 76ers agreed to a deal that sent disgruntled Harden. He went along with P.J. Tucker and Filip Petru?ev to LA. Now that the storm has subsided, larger, more pivotal inquiries have come into focus. Chief among them is the tantalizing question of Joel Embiid’s destiny with the 76ers.

What does Joel Embiid’s future with the Sixers look like?

It wasn’t just Harden who was indicating a desire for a trade during the offseason. The reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, had also dropped hints about a potential departure. Speculation began to circulate when he removed Philadelphia as his location from his X bio.

However, he dispelled all doubts when he expressed his contentment with being a Sixer. Yet rumors started to resurface when reports emerged that the New York Knicks were aggressively pursuing him. So, what do these fresh trade discussions and Harden’s departure signify for Joel Embiid?

According to the Woj, the 76ers are steadfast in their commitment to retaining Joel Embiid. They’re opting to craft a championship-worthy squad around his formidable presence. Following Ben Simmon’s and James Harden’s unsuccessful endeavors, the team is now gearing up for their third, ambitious attempt.

In a headline-grabbing trade that saw Harden’s move to the Clippers, the 76ers secured a bounty of talent. It includes Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, Kenyon Martin Jr., and a treasure trove of draft picks. To sweeten the deal further, they will also acquire a highly sought-after 2028 unprotected first-round pick; not to mention two valuable second-round picks and a pick swap, along with an additional first-round pick from a third-party team. Notably, the team is making room for this acquisition by reportedly releasing Danny Green.

In light of this newfound financial flexibility, the 76ers are poised to keep their powder dry until the trade deadline, where they can make a play for another marquee talent. The short-term plan might include depending on another All-Star caliber player in Tyrese Maxey to float them through the Eastern Conference Championship. With a substantial salary cap space of $50-65 million, they can go “star hunting” during the offseason for someone to pair with Embiid.

How will James Harden impact the Clippers’ roster?

With Harden in the fold, the Clippers finally have what they were desperately seeking. They now have another floor-setting guard to pair up with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Clippers have?added another veteran presence that can catapult them to their first championship. Harden, who led the NBA in assists last season, would immediately become the best playmaker the Leonard-George duo has ever had.

Read More: Details on a Potential Way for the Clippers to Sign James Harden Revealed

While the exact date of his debut with the Clippers remains uncertain, one thing is clear: it won’t be happening tomorrow as the Clippers face off against the Orlando Magic. The trade has only recently been finalized, and there are still several formalities and physical tests to be completed. That being said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him on the sidelines, cheering for his new team.

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