New Orleans Pelicans Rumors: A blockbuster trade for Joel Embiid

New Orleans Pelicans: Trade rumor sends Jrue Holiday to Philadelphia for Joel Embiid

Why the Pelicans would do it

Jrue Holiday is a very popular and talented player for New Orleans, so if they are going to trade him, it should be for someone who moves the needle.

Joel Embiid moves the needle.

Pairing Embiid with Zion Williamson would give the Pelicans the best frontcourt in the NBA. They’d be a force and nearly impossible to stop down low. Teams have been focused on 3-point shooting over the last years but the Lakers are about to win a title with a giant team that doesn’t shoot much from long-range and does most of its damage in the paint.

Embiid is a monster in the post, but can also step out and hit mid-range shots and even 3-pointers, so he is a good fit along with Zion. Embiid also covers some of Zion’s deficiencies on the defensive end and allows Zion to run out on misses.

Richardson is a nice defensive wing who can somewhat take the place of Jrue Holiday. A lineup of Lonzo Ball, Richardson, Brandon Ingram, Zion and Embiid would be long, versatile and a handful on either end.

Embiid is the rim protector, floor spacer and playmaker that the Pelicans need next to Zion and the Pelicans would be the epicenter of NBA media, which could bring title hungry veteran contributors to New Orleans.

Both the Sixers and Pelicans are trying to start fresh with new coaches and a trade to shake up both rosters seems to make some sense.