A swap involving Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid and Golden State Warriors' Jimmy Butler was recently proposed.
The Philadelphia 76ers could consider trading away superstar center Joel Embiid.
Whether or not it's the correct move for the 76ers is another conversation.
The main reasons Philadelphia would look to deal Embiid are because of his lack of availability as well as his three-year, $187 million contract extension that kicks in next season.
A proposed Embiid trade from 94WIP's Joe Giglio sees the 76ers swap the 2023 MVP for Golden State Warriors All-Star forward Jimmy Butler.
The logic behind this deal for Philadelphia is clear.
Butler has a single season remaining on his two-year, $110 million contract, meaning the 76ers essentially get off Embiid's contract two years early. It's worth noting the 36-year-old could not help Philadelphia contend next season, as he will be recovering from a torn ACL.
Butler may not want to return to Philadelphia after the way his first tenure ended, but he has virtually no leverage in this situation.
What this scenario allows the 76ers to do is begin constructing a roster around the backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe much sooner than anticipated.
For the Warriors, it's equally as obvious why they agree to this trade.
Golden State is clearly still looking to contend with Stephen Curry at the helm, and Embiid, when healthy, would greatly boost their odds at a title. With rumors swirling that LeBron James could join the Warriors this offseason, the organization could roll out a 'Big Three' of Curry, James, and Embiid.
Even if Embiid is not available a significant amount during the regular season, Curry, James, and company could carry them to the playoffs.
All the Warriors would need from Embiid is a single healthy postseason.
The 76ers center is guaranteed to contribute more than Butler would next season, so that argument could come into play if the front office discusses this hypothetical.
It's rare to see contracts this large swapped for each other in the modern NBA, but this trade makes more sense than a first glance might suggest.
Join The 76ersRoundtable
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button under the featured story... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.
