The Golden State Warriors might be limping through a tough season, but don’t expect them to fold just because Jimmy Butler went down with a torn ACL. If anything, this could be the moment they pivot - not toward a rebuild, but toward a bold swing that keeps them in the Western Conference mix.
According to a recent trade concept making the rounds, there’s at least one scenario where Golden State could land a former MVP - and not just any MVP, but Joel Embiid, the 7-foot force of nature who dominated the 2023 season. It’s the kind of blockbuster move that would shake up the league and potentially give the Warriors the jolt they desperately need.
The idea? A three-team deal that would send Embiid and Quentin Grimes to the Warriors.
In return, the 76ers would receive Jimmy Butler, Nikola Vucevic, and Gary Payton II, while the Bulls would pick up Buddy Hield, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, and four second-round picks. It’s a complicated puzzle, but one that actually makes some basketball sense for all sides - especially Golden State.
Let’s start with the Warriors. This team isn’t just looking for a spark - they need a fire.
Even with Butler healthy, they weren’t contenders in the truest sense. The Western Conference is too deep, too talented, and too fast-moving for a team stuck in the middle to coast on reputation.
But Embiid? He’s the kind of player who changes a team’s ceiling overnight.
Now, let’s be real: Embiid’s injury history is a major red flag. His availability has been a recurring issue, and it’s fair to question whether he can ever get back to the MVP level he once reached.
But Golden State is in a unique spot. They’re far enough from contention that they need to take a risk - and few gambles come with a higher potential payoff than Embiid.
Even in a down year physically, Embiid is still putting up over 20 points per game and remains one of the most difficult covers in the league. His footwork, touch, and ability to score from all three levels make him a matchup nightmare. And while his three-point shooting has dipped - just 26.1% this season after hitting 29.9% last year - his presence still stretches defenses and opens up space for others.
Golden State’s frontcourt has been thin all season. Adding a player like Embiid - even a version that’s not quite at full strength - would immediately change the dynamic.
He’d bring size, scoring, and a defensive presence in the paint that the Warriors haven’t had in years. And with Quentin Grimes in the mix, they’d also get a young, versatile guard who can defend and hit threes - a valuable rotation piece on a team that’s lacked depth.
On the Sixers’ side, this would be the clearest sign yet that Tyrese Maxey is the new franchise cornerstone. Embiid stepping aside - whether by trade or by necessity - would officially hand the keys to Maxey, who’s been electric this season. Bringing in Jimmy Butler again, along with solid veterans like Vucevic and Payton II, would give Philly a chance to stay competitive while reshaping their identity.
As for the Bulls, they’d be playing the long game, collecting picks and useful players like Hield and Oubre Jr., while clearing the deck for a potential rebuild.
But back to the Warriors - because that’s where the intrigue really lies. This is a team that’s not used to being on the outside looking in.
They’re used to banners, not buyouts. And while Embiid isn’t a sure thing, he’s the kind of talent that could give Golden State one last shot at relevance before the dynasty’s window finally closes.
It’s a high-risk, high-reward move. But for a team that’s already fading from the spotlight, it might be the only move left worth making.