The Philadelphia 76ers are having a disaster of a season. With hopes of contending for a title with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, they find themselves on the outside looking in.
Injuries have simply plagued their season with George and Embiid missing time. Philadelphia committed a lot of money to this trio and they may already look to blow up this team.
It was announced on Friday that Embiid would miss the rest of the season due to medically being unable to play. With that, the Toronto Raptors find themselves as the betting favorite to land the former MVP if the 76ers trade him, via Bovada.
In terms of a trade package, Toronto would have to include Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett along with Jakob Poeltl. Plus draft capital, which feels like a massive risk.
These past two seasons for the seven-footer have been concerning health wise. He only suited up in 39 games last season and only 19 this year.
Despite the Raptors wanting to win sooner rather than later, this gamble simply may not be worth it. Perhaps, there is a chance to buy low on Embiid, but the Sixers cannot do that optically.
Should Raptors president Masai Ujiri and the rest of the front office sell themselves on the 30-year-old center, they have to be certain in his medicals.
The former Kansas Jayhawk has three-years remaining on his contract, averaging out to be $64 million a year. With the last year being a $69 million player-option.
Ultimately, it would probably be smart for Toronto to stay away from Embiid at this stage of his career. Unless he is able to stay on the floor for around 60 or 65 games, there is no need to gamble on this.
Joel Embiid career stats
Through nine seasons, Joel Embiid has played in 452 games out of a possible 738. Although he is averaging 27.7 points and 11.0 rebounds on 50.1 percents shooting from the field.
Despite health concerns, Embiid is a seven-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, five-time All-NBA selection, three-time All-Defensive player and he won the 2022-23 MVP award.
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