NBA Trade Rumors: Could the San Antonio Spurs Pair $193 Million Philadelphia 76ers Superstar With Victor Wembanyama?
The
San Antonio Spurs
may be preparing for a crucial season behind their rising star
Victor Wembanyama
, and one blockbuster trade idea has become the talk of the hour. A recent proposal by ClutchPoints writer Jedd Pagaduan explores the potential of pairing the 2023 NBA MVP
Joel Embiid
with the 2025 Rookie of the Year in a move that could instantly thrust the Spurs into title contention.
The Trade Concept: San Antonio Spurs Go All-In
In this ambitious scenario, San Antonio would send a substantial package to the
Philadelphia 76ers
in return for Embiid. Here's what the trade would look like:
Proposed Trade
Spurs Give Up
76ers Give Up
Spurs Give Up
76ers Give Up
Devin Vassell
Joel Embiid
Harrison Barnes
Jeremy Sochan
Three first-round draft picks (unspecified)
On paper, the deal is staggering. The
San Antonio Spurs
would part with three core players and significant draft capital in exchange for one of the league's most dominant big men.
Why It Makes Sense — On the Court
Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs (Image via Getty)
Victor Wembanyama
has already exceeded lofty expectations, securing Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 and earning his first All-Star selection in 2025.
At 7-foot-3, with guard-like agility and elite rim protection, he's the kind of player franchises dream of building around.
But through two seasons, Wembanyama has yet to share the court with a fellow elite frontcourt partner. That's where Embiid enters the equation.
'A frontcourt of Embiid and Wembanyama would be so terrifying to deal with,' Jedd Pagaduan wrote in his ClutchPoints column. 'Wembanyama has the range and mobility to be a pest on defense every which way, while Embiid can be parked closer to the basket and deal with the bigger post brutes that could give Wemby trouble.'
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The hypothetical duo would be a nightmare defensively and potentially unguardable offensively. Their combined skill sets offer versatility, shot creation, rim protection, and an intimidating physical presence — the kind of combination that could shake up the Western Conference hierarchy.
More on Joel Embiid's Fragile Availability
The dream scenario comes with a sobering caveat: Joel Embiid's injury history.
Despite being one of the most talented big men in NBA history, Embiid has struggled with availability throughout his career.
In the 2024-25 season, he played just 19 games, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists before knee issues sidelined him once again.
Joel Embiid: Career Durability Snapshot
Category
Stat
Total Possible Games (Career)
902
Games Played
~452
Availability Rate
Approx. 50.1%
San Antonio, while undoubtedly intrigued by the idea of pairing Joel Embiid with Wembanyama, would have to weigh the long-term risk of acquiring a player who's missed nearly half of his career games.
Would the San Antonio Spurs Actually Do It?
The proposed trade is admittedly a long shot. Giving up promising talents like Vassell and Sochan — along with three future firsts — for a 30-year-old center with durability concerns would be a bold gamble, especially when other superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo might be available down the line.
Still, it's easy to understand the appeal. The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the reloaded Houston Rockets, led by Kevin Durant, present formidable competition in the West. Adding Joel Embiid could help San Antonio leapfrog both teams — if he stays healthy.
This trade may never leave the realm of fantasy, but it opens an important discussion about how aggressive the San Antonio Spurs should be in building around Wembanyama.
The talent is there. The urgency may be growing. The risk is undeniable. But in a league driven by star pairings and bold moves, San Antonio's front office may soon face its own franchise-defining decision.
As Pagaduan rightly put it: 'Skilled size reigns supreme in the NBA, and having two of the best centers in the NBA would make the San Antonio Spurs an unstoppable force.'
Also read:
Why the Golden State Warriors Declined Sacramento Kings' Bold $77 Million Push for Jonathan Kuminga; Inside the Rejected Trade Offer
For now, it remains a tantalizing what-if. But if Joel Embiid's health ever stabilizes, don't be surprised if San Antonio starts making calls.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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