NBA Rumors: Could Joel Embiid end up with the Golden State Warriors?
Years go by and the Cameroonian still hasn't become champion, something that seems challenging today in a team like the Philadelphia 76ers, despite the good start of 2025/26.
Golden State has started the 2025-26 season at an outstanding level. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler defy the passage of time and keep the team at the competitive elite, positioning it as a candidate for a deep playoff run.
However, history in the NBA shows that injuries eventually come, and the Warriors could look to strengthen their roster to be prepared for any setbacks. They have been linked with Lauri Markkanen, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and even a hypothetical return of Klay Thompson. The franchise has enough draft assets to aim for a star, fueling speculation.
If Golden State were to pursue a high-caliber player, the main goal would be to improve rebounding. Despite adding Al Horford this summer, the Warriors rank 23rd in rebounds per game, 24th in blocks, and allow the ninth most points in the paint.
The need for an interior cornerstone is evident. It remains to be seen if they are willing to go for the biggest name available.
Warriors linked to Joel Embiid
When healthy, Joel Embiid is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, capable of impacting both ends of the court and addressing any structural deficiencies of the team. The drawback: his health has not been stable since early 2024.
Still, envisioning a core composed of Curry, Butler, Green, and Embiid is tempting. Tyler Rourke, from The Sporting News, suggests that, with a revamped roster and the age of its stars, Golden State might need a pivot with dominant presence, and Embiid would be an ideal option if fully recovered.
The issue lies in his contract: Embiid will earn $55.2 million this season and more in the following ones. To make a trade work, the Warriors would have to include Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga. Sportingly, a healthy Embiid surpasses the combined impact of both, but parting with Green would be a significant blow on and off the court.
Why Golden State Should Avoid Such a Move
The team has only played five games and looks solid. There are no pressing needs at the moment. Besides, Embiid poses a high risk: if he regains full health before the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers would have real championship aspirations and wouldn't trade their star for Green, Kuminga, and Moses Moody. Conversely, if he doesn't regain his physical capabilities, the Warriors wouldn't sacrifice two of their key pieces.
At this early stage of the season, drawing definitive conclusions about structural needs is premature. While acquiring a pivot due to Horford's physical limitations could be reasonable, Embiid, as of now, presents the same issues with a colossal salary cost.
Pursuing the Sixers' center doesn't seem like a sensible strategy while the team performs solidly. It will be a debate that could reopen later, when the situation is clearer, and Embiid's health is defined.
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