The Philadelphia 76ers, like any team, were probably one of the many teams that called the Brooklyn Nets when news broke that Kevin Durant wanted out of Brooklyn. Joel Embiid definitely reacted to the news.
Durant’s era didn’t go as expected in Brooklyn as he dealt with injuries, as did Kyrie Irving, and the Nets didn’t have the success they hoped for when they drafted the duo. Durant is still impressive averaging 28.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists as a member of the Nets, but the team’s success hasn’t been there for a variety of reasons.
The Sixers would love to have Durant join forces with Embiid and James Harden in Philadelphia, and a new mock deal prepared by Bleacher Report has the superstar heading to the City of Brotherly Love.
The false commercial proposal
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Nets get: Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, Mathis Tiboul and three first-round picks traded (2024, 2026, 2028)
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Sixers get: Kevin Durant
B/R why the Sixers are making this trade
The hurdle of reuniting Durant and Harden may seem too big to overcome, but KD held no grudges when his former teammate asked for a trade last year. At least Durant now understands Harden’s motivations, and it also seems clear that Harden’s departure has more to do with Kyrie Irving than anything else.
The Sixers side needs no explanation for this. Durant, Harden and Embiid would be the most dangerous trio in the league, and Philly is opting out of the Harris deal in the process of assembling a new super team.
Remember, the Sixers have signed the man whose opinion matters most.
Analysis of the deal from the Sixers’ point of view
There really isn’t much analysis needed here. Durant next to Harden and Embiid makes Philadelphia one of the best teams in the East and firmly in the conversation with the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks to get out of the East.
The potential problem in this deal is likely Harris and his contract. One would assume the Nets would prefer not to take on this deal if they intend to begin a rebuild after losing Durant and Irving. Therefore, a third team may have to step in, but the Sixers don’t have much control over the draft picks to include and attach to Harris’ bloated contract. Ideally, the team would like select items with Harris as sweeteners.
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