Finally traded, Damian Lillard will join the Milwaukee Bucks for the next campaign. While Lillard’s Miami Heat dream didn’t materialize, his pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo is worrisome to teams at the top of the Eastern Conference. Stephen A. Smith participated in sharing his thoughts on the historic Damian Lillard deal as did the rest of the NBA community. He had something to say about the MVP, Joel Embiid.
Smith thinks that this transaction may be the catalyst that eventually prompts Joel Embiid to request a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. “Philly is in a world of trouble. Keep your eyes open for Joel Embiid. He might demand to be traded after this.” After the change, Smith predicts a close battle for first place in the Eastern Conference between Milwaukee and the Boston Celtics.
Stephen A. Smith on Dame being traded to the Bucks:
“It’s a perfect situation for Damian Lillard… Philly is in a world of trouble… keep your eyes open for Joel Embiid. He might demand to be traded after this.” pic.twitter.com/kgSfOnS0RK
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2023
Jimmy Butler would have every right to be a little bit salty that the Miami Heat failed to sign Lillard, he added. “If he’s a bit salty, he should be. Not only do they not get Damian Lillard, they end up being seen as an inferior team to the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics who recently acquired Kristaps Porzingis.”
The 76ers have fallen farther down the East championship contention ladder as a result of the Lillard trade, and the conference appears to be heading for another Bucks-Celtics matchup next year.
Will Joel Embiid ask for a trade out of the Sixers?
It’s no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers are struggling to keep Joel Embiid at the center of a championship-caliber team. And they could have less time with the current NBA MVP than they think. The Bucks’ front office responded when Giannis Antetokounmpo brought attention to them. This offseason, Joel Embiid hasn’t had that convenience.
If he doesn’t like what he sees this season, “The Process” could push his way out of Philadelphia. Even though Embiid’s four-year, $213.3 million supermax agreement is ready to start, it could not offer any guarantees concerning his long-term future. Last season, Embiid averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while winning MVP.
However, his postseason performance was incredibly disappointing. The 76ers should be concerned about their current course, regardless of whether he plays in Philly during the 2024 playoffs. So what should the 76ers do to still be title contenders?
The 76ers ought to pursue Jrue Holiday as actively as they can. The Blazers already have three developing guards, so Holiday won’t be of much value to them. Holiday, combined to score 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists last season, and Tyrese Maxey would make the ideal backcourt.
