What the OKC Thunder Would Look Like With Joel Embiid

James Harden is forcing his way out of Philadelphia, but he may not be the only star ready to exit.

2023 MVP Joel Embiid has endured nearly a decade of everchanging 76ers basketball. With another star teammate departing, his trade request could come soon.

If Embiid does ask out, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be in the running for his talents. It would be a steep cost to get Embiid, but if the Thunder can get him, it would be well worth it.

Embiid has already accomplished many things in his career, from all-defensive selections to scoring titles and beyond. However, he has yet to see much team success. He has yet to reach the conference finals in Philadelphia despite many opportunities. That could change in OKC as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would immediately have a case for being the best teammate he’s ever had.

Gilgeous-Alexander has never won a playoff series in his career, but he has shown to be a capable leader for this young Thunder squad. Pairing him with Embiid would give the Thunder two top-10 players and thrust them into contention.

An initial concern would be that Embiid accelerates but shortens the Thunder’s championship window. In reality, he and Gilgeous-Alexander are both under contract until the 2026-27 season. Embiid could opt out of his final season, but ultimately those two players would determine OKC’s timeline.

With Josh Giddey and Lu Dort potentially included in an Embiid package, OKC would be left with a core four of Embiid, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. This gives OKC flexibility in the starting lineup, making it easier to adjust from matchup to matchup.

While the twin towers frontcourt of Embiid and Holmgren would have some growing pains, it may be the best scenario for both. Both have had injury issues, so splitting time battling the physical centers instead of having to endure all of them on their own could help prevent either from wearing down too quickly.

Holmgren and Embiid playing together would not necessarily alter OKC’s offensive foundation. OKC likes to play with five guys on the perimeter, and although Holmgren and Embiid are both bigs, they can handle the ball as creators and shoot from anywhere.

Gilgeous-Alexander has never played with anyone near Embiid’s level. Finding the balance playing with another 30+ point scorer could take some time, but with Giddey gone in this scenario, Gilgeous-Alexander could naturally take on more of a playmaking role.

Fortunately, as the offense gets sorted out, the defense would likely be near the top of the league. Losing Dort would hurt some, but Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best two-way guards in the league. Down low, Embiid and Holmgren would protect the rim and alter most shots coming their way.

Most importantly, OKC could match the star power of every team it sees in the western conference. Gilgeous-Alexander gives OKC an answer against the likes of Stephen Curry and Devin Booker. And with Nikola Jokic currently at the peak of the basketball world, Embiid provides the best chance of dethroning the best big man in the league and his Denver Nuggets.

Of course, throwing a 29-year-old superstar into a budding young team could have its faults. But make no mistake, a Thunder team with Embiid would immediately be in championship contention and may provide the Thunder an opportunity they won’t otherwise see.

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