Thunderous Intentions
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Oklahoma City Thunder Mock Trade: Should OKC target reigning MVP Joel Embiid?

By Alex Mcewen

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and guard James Harden (1) against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and guard James Harden (1) against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aleksej Pokusevski, #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder, shoots a layup past Joel Embiid, #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers, during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 11, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Aleksej Pokusevski, #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder, shoots a layup past Joel Embiid, #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers, during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 11, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

How would a trade go down to net the OKC Thunder Joel Embiid?

First and foremost, the Oklahoma City Thunder will include Davis Bertains or Victor Oladipo, or potentially even both players in any prospective deals for Joel Embiid to help match his salary and absorb his $47-million 2023-24 contract. Here is one option Presti could offer Morey and the Sixers:

  • Thunder gets: Joel Embiid and Danuel House Jr.
  • Sixers: Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Aleksej Pokusevski, Jaylin Williams, Tre Mann, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Davis Bertans. Along with six first-round picks and two second-round picks

The Thunder would walk away with the reigning NBA MVP and a solid wing vet to fortify their bench. Danuel House shot 36 percent from long-distance last season. At the same time, they were retaining their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams. This trade would be excellent for Presti and the OKC Thunder. As a bonus, the Thunder would remain below the NBA’s luxury tax apron.

On the flip side for the Sixers, it will be difficult to recoup equal value for an MVP; however, in this package, OKC would be compensating well with eight draft picks, including six firsts, along with the talented and still young Dort, who is one of the league’s best defenders, three young players who could benefit from a change in scenery in Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

Last but not least, Cason Wallace is a totally blank canvas with endless potential. Wallace could be a foundational building block for the Sixers, much like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was for the OKC Thunder in the wake of George’s departure. Moreover, by including House in the deal, the Sixers would no longer be a luxury tax team.

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