76ers predicted to cut ties with Joel Embiid, acquire $186 million ex-Lakers disgruntled superstar originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ future is brighter than ever after fleecing the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster June 2 trade (the 76ers sent Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks to the Celtics for Jaylen Brown).

Add in the fact that Philadelphia could finish first in the LeBron James free agency sweepstakes, and there’s no reason to believe the franchise couldn’t at least make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals if they remain healthy throughout the year.

Interestingly, CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn isn’t crazy about Joel Embiid continuing to occupy the 76ers’ starting center position, prompting him to propose a deal that would send the former MVP to the Washington Wizards for a disgruntled ex-Los Angeles Lakers star (he was upset with the way Los Angeles handled the end of his tenure with the franchise).

“Here’s the wild suggestion: Joel Embiid and draft capital for Anthony Davis,” Quinn wrote Sunday. “The 76ers can still trade their unprotected 2033 first-round pick, plus a handful of swaps. Embiid has the NBA’s worst contract… but a Davis extension might age worse.”

“As it stands, Embiid’s present deal is only one year longer. Embiid is certainly more injury-prone, but Davis is about as close as any other star in the NBA. Embiid at least played at an All-NBA level when he was available last season. Davis did not. I wouldn’t dismiss this out of hand as the Wizards.”

“There are absolutely worlds in which Embiid is simply better than Davis over the next handful of seasons. He just isn’t a former teammate of LeBron’s.”

Quinn’s trade idea likely wouldn’t sit well with most of the franchise’s fan base, and it would be tough to blame them. The whole point of moving on from Embiid would be to acquire a player of a similar caliber who doesn’t also possess a lengthy injury history.

We all know that Davis’ ability to take defenders off the dribble with his basic yet effective handle at 6-foot-11, flourish in triple-threat situations thanks to his patience and versatility, and protect the rim at an otherworldly level makes him a special frontcourt contributor.

That said, at this stage of Davis’ career, it appears it only takes one awkward landing or misstep to cause a significant injury, which isn’t an issue the 76ers should be interested in welcoming to their organization.

The idea is captivating without a doubt, but it’s challenging to envision Philadelphia entertaining it, given that they already have an injury-riddled center of their own.

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