NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets Ready to Trade Everyone But James Harden to Nab Sixers’ Star Joel Embiid

After a disappointing playoff run of the Houston Rockets, the franchise will look to make a game-changing trade. And it looks like the Philadelphia 76ers’ star, Joel Embiid, is under their radar as a potential trade candidate.

This was the first year the Rockets tried out the much-awaited duo, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. But their partnership was a failed experiment, as was their small-ball lineup strategy.

The 76ers’ on the other hand, are looking for a coach themselves. They have their eyes on Former Rockets coach, Mike D’Antoni who was let go after they lucked out in the playoffs. It is speculated that they are also looking to acquire James Harden by luring D’Antoni. However, the Rockets don’t seem to have any plans of getting rid of Harden anytime soon.

Can the Houston Rockets bring in Joel Embiid?

We can’t be sure if the Rockets will continue with their small-ball approach next season. But there is a high possibility that they might be interested in adding a center to their lineup. And this possible addition could very well be Sixers’ Joel Embiid.

Embiid is a potential future MVP candidate. Thus, gaining a player like him could prove to be helpful. Embiid has shown excellence on the defensive end, and his perimeter shooting is one skill that could come in handy for the Rockets.

Although they need Embiid desperately, the Rockets will have a tough time convincing the Sixers to send him in exchange for the current players they have on their roster. This is mainly because of multiple bad contracts. Maybe if they had James Harden to offer, the Sixers might consider. But it looks like their franchise player is completely off-limits.

The Rockets should also look elsewhere for a possible trade if this does not pan out. Trying to win a championship with two ball-dominant guards can be extremely tricky. If not Harden, several teams have shown immense interest and will to pay big bucks to acquire Russell Westbrook.

Still, if Daryl Morey believes that the Rockets can’t win without the duo, they might try to find a third big man who complements Harden’s game better than Westbrook.