After the Golden State Warriors’ elimination from the playoffs, attention turned to a thrilling Mother’s Day matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7. However, it was only thrilling for Celtics fans, as they dominated the game with Jayson Tatum breaking the record for the most points in Game 7 history with 51. As the 76ers failed to reach the Conference Finals for the sixth consecutive season, big decisions await them in the offseason.
.@wojespn says there's "a very real possibility" that James Harden returns to Houston ?
"If [the Rockets] win the lottery … and they're the ones who can draft Victor Wembanyama, my sense is that would not necessarily change the Rockets' intentions to pursue James Harden." pic.twitter.com/TvIXpkYxD3
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 15, 2023
One of which is whether to pursue James Harden, who has been linked with his old team, the Houston Rockets. Reports suggested that Harden is serious about a possible return to Houston, citing family ties and a comfort level. However, if the Harden deal falls through, attention will shift to MVP Joel Embiid, who has failed to lead the Sixers past the second round for six straight years.
While unlikely, there is a possibility that Embiid may request a trade in the coming months, leaving open the hypothetical scenario of the Golden State Warriors acquiring him. Such an acquisition would come at a significant cost, potentially involving Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, and several draft picks.
Proposed Trade:
Philadelphia receives: Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, 2023 first-round pick (unprotected), 2025 first-round pick (unprotected), 2025 second-round pick (via Charlotte Hornets)
Golden State receives: Joel Embiid, Furkan Korkmaz
While difficult to imagine, such a trade may present a win-win scenario for both teams, with the 76ers gaining young talent and the Warriors becoming immediate title favorites.
Clearly Philly fans are no longer trusting the process, might it be time for a change of scenery perhaps?
