NBA Executive Discusses Kawhi Leonard for Joel Embiid Trade
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While some have suggested the Philadelphia 76ers may look to rebuild after another disappointing second round exit, the organization has given no indication that they would move MVP Joel Embiid. According to one NBA Executive who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, it would take a proven star to acquire Embiid in a trade.
"It would have to be a star, a proven star," the GM told Deveney. "They want one player back, an even swap. There are not many who fit that with Embiid. Kawhi (Leonard) might be the only guy who really fits, a guy they (the Clippers) might be willing to move off of and who would be in the same category as Embiid, a guy (Morey) would even consider. I am not even sure Paul George would fit. It would have to be Kawhi. That is just my guess. That’s how strong they are on Joel."
Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank said at the end of the season that the team remains committed to building around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. When combined with Philadelphia's intention to continue building around Embiid, such a trade seems unlikely. As noted by Deveney, the executive was not suggesting this trade will happen, but rather discussing the framework as what it would take in order to pry Embiid from Philadelphia.
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