Joel Embiid could land in Atlanta after a baffling proposal sent him to the Hawks in exchange for three role players. The Sixers would have to justify trading the two-time scoring champion for a package of rotation fillers.
What’s the proposed deal?
A viral trade concept floated Embiid to the Hawks for De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanović, and a future second-round pick. The Hawks would absorb Embiid’s $52 million supermax while sending back three players who combined for 28 minutes per game last season.
The math doesn’t add up for Philadelphia. Embiid just averaged 33.5 points and 11.6 rebounds while leading the league in scoring for a second straight year. Atlanta’s offer leans on defense-first wings and a draft asset, not a star-level return.
Why would the Sixers even consider this?
The Sixers’ front office faces pressure to rebuild around Embiid after another playoff flameout. Trading him would free cap space and draft capital, but it would also erase their championship window with the 32-year-old center.
Sources close to the team say no serious talks have occurred. The Hawks, meanwhile, are hunting for a franchise cornerstone after years of middling results. Embiid would instantly become their best player, but the cost is staggering.
What happens next?
The NBA trade deadline isn’t until February, so this idea stays in the rumor mill for now. Embiid has repeatedly said he wants to stay in Philly, and the Sixers have no incentive to move him unless a jaw-dropping offer arrives.
Atlanta’s front office could pivot to other stars like Pascal Siakam or Karl-Annondale. For Embiid, the Hawks’ proposal is flattering but far from realistic—at least for now.
The Sixers’ stance remains unchanged: Embiid is their cornerstone. Any trade involving him must bring back a player of All-NBA caliber, not three role players. Until then, this swap stays a thought experiment, not a real possibility.