4) Los Angeles Lakers
The Sixers trading an all-time great big man to the Lakers? It wouldn't be the first time. In 1958, after Wilt Chamberlain demanded a trade from Philadelphia, the Sixers traded one of the game's greatest talents to Los Angeles for Archie Clark, Darrell Imhoff, Jerry Chambers, and cash considerations.
It didn't exactly "work out," trading a generational superstar rarely does, but Archie Clark and Darrell Imhoff were both effective players for the Sixers in their time, but no one could live up to Wilt. That is likely to be the case with a Joel Embiid trade, but in the scenario that Philadelphia does not hold leverage, as would be the case in a trade demand, it's certainly a likely possibility.
The Lakers have been speculated to be in the center market for what feels like years. Anthony Davis does not like playing center, as he has made quite clear on multiple occasions. With their window clearly closing, the time to act is neigh. While a front court of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid is not the most modern NBA lineup, its talent is undeniable.
Los Angeles will be opperating under the tax heading into next offseason, giving the team increased flexibility under the modern CBA. The same can be said of Philadelphia, allowing for far smother and vesitile negotiations.
The Lakers will retain the contracts of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jared Vanderbilt through the offseason, giving a fair amount of matching salary to pair with the true prize for Philadelphia, draft picks. After the 2025 NBA Draft, the Lakers will be able to trade two unprotected first-round picks, one in 2029 and the other in 2031, along with three first-round swaps in 2028, 2030, and 2032. Not that the Sixers could bleed them dry of their draft assets, but that is what is in the war chest.
3) Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors, much like the Los Angeles Lakers, are a team whose competitive days appear to be drawing near. A fair amount of depth and Steph Curry's insistent stardom have kept the Warriors in the midst of yet another playoff run.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, the team's ceiling appears capped by the lack of star power the team possesses beyond Curry. Golden State was among the teams ESPN Insider Shams Charania hinted could pursue Jimmy Butler, so perhaps they have a plan in place, but should they not land Butler, a pivot will be needed by this offseason.
Golden State was among the teams ESPN Insider Shams Charania hinted could pursue Jimmy Butler, so perhaps they have a plan in place, but should they not land Butler, a pivot will be needed by this offseason.
Returning to the ideal star pairing of the early 2000s, the Warriors would now be built around a guard and a big and work an inside-out offensive approach, a rather large pivot from the free-flowing three-point barrage many are used to in Golden State.
Golden State would also be able to operate under the tax this offseason, assuming Andrew Wiggins makes up the bulk of the matching salary, has the contracts on the books, and has additional draft assets to make it worth Philadelphia's while. Or, at least relative to trading away any potential Hall of Fame player.