Joel Embiid to the Warriors? Teague: “Trade Draymond and go get Joel”
According to Jeff Teague, the Golden State Warriors should aggressively pursue Joel Embiid to give Stephen Curry one last legitimate shot at another championship. The discussion also includes the potential departure of Draymond Green
Steve Kerr’s extension with the Golden State Warriors sent a very clear message to the rest of the NBA: the franchise has no intention of closing its championship window. As long as Stephen Curry is still there, San Francisco will keep chasing another ring.
The problem, however, is just as obvious. The Western Conference continues to get stronger, and the Warriors’ historic core is no longer as dominant as it once was. That’s why major offseason scenarios are already starting to circulate – including one that would truly shake the league: bringing Joel Embiid to California.
Former NBA guard Jeff Teague floated the idea during the “Club 520” podcast:
They’re gonna trade Draymond. I’m just thinking out loud. You’ve got to go get Embiid, bro. I think you’ve got to make a big move. You can’t get Giannis. You can’t get Kawhi. You need somebody at that level for Steph. The most accessible player is Embiid. And he’s still got several years left on his contract
Jeff Teague
Draymond Green sacrificed to land Embiid
In Teague’s proposed scenario, the player leaving Golden State would be Draymond Green, one of the defining symbols of the Warriors dynasty built alongside Curry, Thompson and Kerr.
Despite his age and a much different offensive impact compared to earlier years, Green remains an extremely valuable player because of his intensity, leadership and defensive IQ. This season he averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists, continuing to serve as the emotional anchor of the team.
However, with his contract expiring in one year, he could become an intriguing trade asset. On his own, though, Green would not be enough to acquire Embiid, especially considering the nearly $60 million the Sixers center is set to earn next season. That’s why the rumored framework making the rounds also includes Kristaps Porzingis via sign-and-trade.
Embiid to the GSW: the potential trade
Warriors receive: Joel Embiid
76ers receive: Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis (sign-and-trade)
From a basketball standpoint, a healthy Embiid next to Curry would probably be a perfect fit. Golden State has spent years searching for a dominant interior presence capable of drawing double teams and punishing defenses near the rim.
And in that area, the Cameroonian big man remains one of the best in the league. For his career, Embiid averages 27.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game – MVP-level production.
The issue, once again, is health. Injuries have constantly interrupted Embiid’s career, and last season he managed to play only 38 games. That’s an enormous risk for a team trying to remain in immediate title contention.
Teague also highlighted what the potential upside could be for the Philadelphia 76ers:
If they get Draymond Green, it’s basically also a way to get off a huge contract. He already knows how to play that style of basketball next to two guards who dominate the ball. I’m not saying they’re Klay and Steph – not even close. But he knows how to play with dynamic guards like that. You let those two do their thing, add a Draymond, and then start building the roster the right way
Jeff Teague
The Warriors understand that the window to win with Curry as the centerpiece will not stay open forever. And that’s exactly why an extremely high-risk move like trading for Embiid might actually make sense.