NBA trading rumors: mock trade witness Lakers sign Embiid, causing Reeves Jr. and Hachimura to leave

If the Philadelphia 76ers trade Joel Embiid, one can expect the Los Angeles Lakers to be linked with the 2023 MVP. According to recent reports from Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, NBA trade rumors suggest that the Lakers are looking for a center who is willing to move one of their core players, Austin Reeves, if it is a "top" inside player.

Embid did not achieve the expected success in Philadelphia. Despite his personal seasons, he failed to break the Sixers' doom in the Eastern Conference Finals. During this time, Embiid had many partners, including Ben Simmons, James Harden, Paul George, and potential new stars like Telis Maxi, but he did not push the team to success.

Embid's injury problem also did not help. He has been plagued by injuries in every playoffs since 2022. Embiid has played a total of 58 games in the past two years due to persistent knee injuries. He played 19 games this season, causing the Sixers to fail to make the playoffs, despite Paul George joining their core.

76ers will sign a $55.2 million contract next year, and will sign a three-year, $192.9 million contract extension before the 2026-27 season. The 76ers have a lot of time to think about the development direction of the team with Embiid as the core.

They also received the No. 3 pick in the draft and have young assets like 24-year-old Terrys Maxi and 21-year-old Jared McCain, who can build around them. A team like the Lakers who have a desperate need for inside players may give the Sixers the best chance in exchange for Embiid, whose trading value has dropped due to his injuries and absence.

How the potential deal between the two teams is achieved if the 76ers are willing to trade Joel Embiid.

NBA Trading Rumor: The mock trade sends Joel Embiid to the Lakers for Austin Reeves in a three-team trade

Due to the Lakers' lack of draft assets and tradable contracts, in addition to Austin Reeves, they can look for a third team to promote Joel Embiid's trade. The Brooklyn Nets may be an ideal trading partner. They have key players like Nicholas Clarkston who can attract Philadelphia to be the next starting center.

At the same time, the Nets' motivation for participating in this deal may be the key role players and key draft funds that the Lakers can provide. The Nets can keep them or trade them for draft picks in another trade.

The following is a three-team deal that traded Joel Embiid and Austin Reeves to the Lakers and the 76ers respectively:

Lakers get:

Joel Embiid

2025 second-round pick (76ers 35th pick)

2026 second-round pick (Nets —> Hawks)

76ers get

Austin Reeves

Dorian Finney-Smith (Player Option)

Nicholas Duncan

1} 2030 first-round pick exchange (from the Lakers)

2031 first-round pick (from the Lakers)

Nets get

Rui Hachimura Hachimura

Gabe Vincent

Dalton Kneckett

Adam Bona

2028 first-round pick (76ers, Clippers changed hands)

Lakers get two seconds in the 76ers and Nets trade as they leave their best role players in this deal. Meanwhile, the Sixers received two first-round picks from the Lakers (one exchange). Philadelphia traded the Clippers' first-round pick in 2028 to secure Clarkston's signing.

While Embiid is undoubtedly one of the best centers in the NBA when he is healthy, his injury has reduced his value and he is unlikely to get more than two firsts from a team. With several other contenders already having a decent depth in the frontcourt, the Lakers are probably the only trading team they are willing to take risks.

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