Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
You can probably make the argument that trading for Joel Embiid is as big of a pipe dream as trading for Damian Lillard is for the Miami Heat. But you can actually make the argument that it may be the Heat’s next best shot at acquiring a superstar if the Lillard dream doesn’t come to fruition. And that’s because the Heat-Embiid connection has been long-brewing thanks at least in part to Jimmy Butler’s and Embiid’s relationship when they were teammates.
If it were even to happen, though, there would be plenty of hurdles that would have to be crossed. For one, Embiid would likely have to demand a trade and would need to have the Heat as one of his preferred destinations. Secondly, the Heat would have to get into a place where they’re willing to trade Bam Adebayo in a potential deal. And third, all of this would likely have to come together fairly quickly.
Again, a lot would have to fall into place for this to come to fruition. It seems unlikely but if the Lillard dream does fall through, perhaps Miami does get a little desperate to give Jimmy the best chance to win a title. And if Lillard is out, Embiid could give Jimmy the best shot at doing that.