The Golden State Warriors are exploring a potential major change ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, focusing on the possibility of acquiring Joel Embiid in a trade that could reshape their roster. The Warriors’ interest in the Joel Embiid Warriors trade pitch stems from concerns over their current roster depth and key contract uncertainties, especially involving Jonathan Kuminga.
With only nine players secured on guaranteed contracts as of August 19, the Warriors have faced an inactive offseason leaving them short of a reliable center and lacking bench strength. To address these weaknesses, Sports Illustrated’s Dave Holcomb proposed a high-profile deal, offering Kuminga and draft picks to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Embiid.
Details of the Proposed Trade and Its Motivations
The trade outline suggests the Warriors would receive Joel Embiid, while the 76ers would acquire Jonathan Kuminga through a sign-and-trade arrangement, along with Trayce Jackson-Davis, Buddy Hield, and two unprotected first-round draft picks scheduled for 2028 and 2030. The offer aims to balance immediate star power for the Warriors against long-term future assets for the 76ers.
The impetus behind this possible trade is connected to recent news from NBA insider Brett Siegel, indicating Embiid may be delayed in his readiness for training camp following complications in recovering from a knee injury. The 76ers reportedly regret locking in Embiid with a contract extension last year, prompting them to reconsider his place in their future plans.
Why This Trade Appeals to Both Teams
The 76ers may view this trade as a chance to move on from Embiid’s ongoing injury struggles and make a fresh start by bringing in a young, high-upside player like Kuminga, in addition to securing valuable draft picks to aid their rebuild. Embiid’s history of limited availability underscores this perspective.
…Embiid goes through injury issues every season,
wrote Holcomb, noting Embiid played only 19 games in the 2024-25 season and 39 games the year before, never surpassing 68 games in any single regular season during his career. —Dave Holcomb, Sports Illustrated
If the 76ers don’t see Embiid returning to his MVP-level play from 2022-23, then the team should consider moving on and trading the 31-year-old when he still has a lot of value on the market.
—Dave Holcomb, Sports Illustrated
For the Warriors, acquiring Embiid, despite his injury risks, could be a strategic move given their aging core of stars—Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III—all over 35 years old. Adding Embiid could extend the window to contend before a rebuilding phase becomes necessary.
Acquiring Embiid would come with a lot of risk,
Holcomb noted, but emphasized the Warriors as a logical trade destination due to their recent championship success and the ages of their principal players. —Dave Holcomb, Sports Illustrated
Embiid would start to decline around the same time Golden State is going to have to begin rebuilding anyway. So, they probably don’t mind Embiid’s age as much as other teams might. The power forward would also be a force in Golden State’s frontcourt if he returns fully healthy.
—Dave Holcomb, Sports Illustrated
The Potential Reunion of Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid
This trade would reunite Embiid with Jimmy Butler in Golden State, two former 76ers teammates with a shared desire to pursue an NBA championship together once again. Their mutual respect and close friendship have been evident through public statements and efforts in previous seasons.
I talk to Joel every day,
Butler stated in May 2022, prior to the Heat–76ers playoff series. —Jimmy Butler III, Warriors forward
Even before this series. That’s my guy. That’s a brother to me,
he added, emphasizing the bond forged during their time as teammates and competitors. —Jimmy Butler III, Warriors forward
We know that. It’s a privilege to play against him. Obviously, to be on the same team with him as well as I was in the past, but damn, you want to play against the best and to have an opportunity to beat the best, and hold that over one another’s head for years to come. After basketball, that’s still going to be my guy.
—Jimmy Butler III, Warriors forward
Embiid himself reportedly advocated for bringing Butler back to the 76ers at the 2025 trade deadline, signaling his desire for the reunion. Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill revealed Embiid pushed strongly for the trade, but negotiations between the 76ers and Miami Heat fell through. Eventually, Butler was traded to Golden State in a separate deal involving Andrew Wiggins.
Implications and Next Steps for the Warriors
If this blockbuster deal takes shape, the Warriors could shift their championship trajectory by pairing Embiid’s dominant presence with established stars like Curry, Green, and Butler. However, the trade carries high stakes given Embiid’s injury history and the aging roster they currently manage. For now, the Warriors’ front office faces critical decisions on whether to gamble on Embiid’s health and fit amid an offseason with minimal roster additions.
The 76ers, in contrast, would gain promising young talent and valuable draft assets that could fuel a rebuilding phase, betting on flexibility and future potential over maintaining their veteran star amid concerns about his durability and form.