The Charlotte Hornets signed arguably the biggest name available this NBA offseason. They gave Gordon Hayward a four-year, $120 million contract. They are extremely heavy at the guard position and could be looking to add a frontcourt piece. Could pursuing a trade for Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid be an option next?
Charlotte had Devonte Graham break out last season to pair with Terry Rozier in the backcourt. They used the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft on LaMelo Ball to solidify the guard position.
Hayward will man the small forward spot and they can look to improve at power forward and center in a trade such as this one. If he can return to All-Star form, the Hornets would be a rising team in the Eastern Conference. Adding in another high-level player would drastically amplify their potential for contention, too.
The 76ers have made it clear that there is no plan to trade Ben Simmons. It is likely that they hold onto Joel Embiid as well, but if they decide to move their big man in the relative near future, there will be many suitors. Charlotte is one of those suitors and the return would be nice for Philadelphia.
If the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets decide to make a deal, there will be some big names involved. Here are three possible NBA blockbuster trade scenarios where Joel Embiid could end up in Charlotte.
