Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are a side with their own problems, starting the season 6-7 and ranking only 19th in points (110.9) and 16th in offensive rating (113.2). The Heat have a closing championship window with Jimmy Butler’s future uncertain, and they could go all-in to win an NBA championship as soon as possible by targeting an elite player such as Joel Embiid to push them over the top.
The Heat might be one superstar away from clicking everything together, especially when Tyler Herro (24.2 PPG, 5.2 APG) is playing like an All-Star right now. With a chance to create a new Big Three, here is a blockbuster mock trade package that would send Joel Embiid to the Miami Heat.
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jovic, Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Miami Heat Create The Best Big Three In The NBA
By acquiring Joel Embiid, the Miami Heat would instantly become title favorites, forming a devastating Big Three with Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. Embiid, the 2022-23 MVP, averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists last season, cementing himself as the most dominant big man in the league despite dealing with injury issues. Pairing him with Butler’s two-way brilliance (17.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG) and Herro’s offensive prowess (24.2 PPG, 5.2 APG this season) creates a core capable of competing with any contender in the NBA.
Embiid’s defensive presence would address Miami’s interior issues, significantly improving their current ranking of 16th in defensive rating (113.2). Offensively, his ability to score from the post, mid-range, and beyond the arc provides a level of versatility that complements Butler’s slashing and Herro’s perimeter shooting. The Heat’s culture and coaching could also provide the structure Embiid needs to stay engaged and healthy throughout the season.
Sure, the cost is steep since Bam Adebayo (16.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG) is Miami’s defensive anchor and heart of the team, but Embiid’s apparent appreciation for Jimmy Butler as a player and the fact that Tyler Herro gets his designated role as the second option on the team could make the Heat a far more formidable team than they are right now.
Philadelphia 76ers Close The Joel Embiid Era And Focus On Tyrese Maxey
Trading Joel Embiid signals a dramatic shift for the 76ers, officially handing the keys of the franchise to Tyrese Maxey. Maxey, who is having a fantastic season so far by posting 27.6 points and 3.9 assists per game, would benefit from a team built entirely around his strengths. By adding Bam Adebayo, Philadelphia gains an All-Star big man who offers defensive versatility, playmaking, and durability, making him an excellent complement to Maxey’s dynamic scoring.
Nikola Jovic provides intriguing upside as a young, versatile forward (8.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG), while Duncan Robinson brings elite three-point shooting (career 39.7% 3-PT FG) to a roster that could use more spacing around Maxey. Additionally, acquiring future first-round picks in 2027 and 2031 gives Philadelphia assets to build for the future or use as trade bait to secure another star. This package is a solid return for a franchise looking to reset after years of playoff heartbreak.
The downside for the 76ers is losing a top-5 player in Embiid without receiving a surefire superstar in return. Adebayo is an excellent player, but he lacks Embiid’s ceiling as a game-changing force. However, it seems Embiid is not happy with the 76ers organization right now, and whether you feel that is warranted or not, this is a harsh reality that has to be addressed.
A Blockbuster Deal That Would Shake The Eastern Conference
This trade would have seismic implications for the NBA, fundamentally altering the balance of power in the East. The Miami Heat would vault into the championship conversation, boasting a roster that rivals the best in the league. Meanwhile, the 76ers would officially move on from an era defined by both promise and disappointment, embracing a new chapter centered around Maxey and a more flexible roster.
While the trade makes sense for both teams on paper, its success would depend on key variables: Embiid’s health and integration into Miami’s system, Adebayo’s ability to step up as Philadelphia’s leader, and the development of Jovic into a meaningful contributor. This deal is risky but carries enormous potential for the Heat to capitalize on the current situation in Philadelphia and take a risk to win with Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro.
