Joel Embiid Should Join Anthony Edwards

Joel Embiid might join Anthony Edwards on the Minnesota Timberwolves. On the second night of the NBA Draft, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Charlotte Hornets were listening to trade offers for LaMelo Ball.

The Hornets' decision to entertain trade offers for Ball came as a surprise, given the team's strong finish to the 2025-26 season. Ball was the team's best player, and the net rating was 6.3 points better when he was on the floor.

The Timberwolves may be in the mix to trade for Ball, but they don't have the assets to survive a hard bargain. Rudy Gobert doesn't do much for the Hornets without Ball, and Jaden McDaniels doesn't make sense for a team with Knueppel, Miller, and Miles Bridges.

The Timberwolves may only be nominally in the chase for Ball, which could be fine given his ball-dominant approach might not fit Anthony Edwards. Joel Embiid's value has dwindled in recent years, but playing alongside Edwards could resurrect it.

At this point in "The Process," the Philadelphia 76ers should be eager to get out from under Embiid's contract. The 76ers could lean into a fast, guard-happy era led by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

And while Minnesota may not be thrilled by the back end of Embiid's deal, it might also be nearing desperate times with Edwards. The typical life cycle of an NBA superstar who winds up in a non-glamour market goes from excitement to a wandering eye.

Minnesota and Edwards may be somewhere between those second and third bullet points right now. Trading for Embiid would signal desperation, but the healthy version of Embiid undoubtedly fits better with Edwards than Ball would.

The Timberwolves have one completely unencumbered first-round pick, in 2033, and some swaps to offer. Embiid's contract might be a factor, but playing alongside Edwards could be a good fit.

So, who's a big name that might not cost a ton to bring in? Whose value has dwindled in recent years but could instantly be resurrected by playing alongside Ant? It could be Joel Embiid.

The 76ers should be eager to move on from Embiid's contract, and the Timberwolves might be desperate enough to make a move. It's not hard to see why the organizations make desperate moves, given the life cycle of an NBA superstar.

Make no mistake, trading for Embiid would signal exactly that kind of desperation. And it could quickly go horribly wrong. But the healthy version of Embiid fits better with Edwards than Ball would.

Joel Embiid might be the answer for the Timberwolves, given their lack of assets and desperate need for a star to play alongside Edwards. The question is, will they make a move for him?